Unspoken

Chapter 33 Free spirits

"It's good to see you up and about."

Ramiro turned at the sound of Bonny's voice. The woman smiled at him kindly as she stirred up the fire in the hearth.

"Are you sure you shouldn't be taking more rest? You've been out for a week after all. You shouldn't rush things."

"I should go," Ramiro commented while stiffly making his way to the door where his boots were.

"Go?" Bonny said startled, "you can't go now, Milan. Have you not see the weather? The snow's piled up high and the roads are not fit for travel. And you're still weak. Please stay a few more days at least."

Ramiro shook his head. "I should still go."

Bonny crossed her arms. "I insist you stay. It's rude to turn down hospitality. Sit and eat. I'll make you breakfast."

The stubborn expression on her face almost made him smile, but he had long since forgotten how to smile.

Still, hunger and wariness won over pride. He sighed and gave in, sitting down at the table with some effort. The small action already left him with no energy. Perhaps the woman was right. Perhaps he should just stay for a few more days. At least unit he could walk again with out black spots appearing in his vision. And he hadn't eaten a decent meal in weeks.

Bonny clacked her tongue and turned to the cabinet. She took out bread, cheese and butter and placed it on the table. She disappeared into a side room and came back with a few thick slices of ham. "Please help yourself," she said while handing him a knife and a wooden plate, "the tea will be ready soon. Matthew should be here any minute." She turned back to the fire where a kettle with water was almost at boiling point.

"Thank you," Ramiro muttered. He felt a little out of place in this situation. He didn't want to impose on these people. He was used to doing things on his own. And these people were gadje. He didn't like being indebted to them. In his experience, gadje always wanted something in return.

Behind him, a door opened and Matthew stepped into the small living area. He nodded at Ramiro. "Good morning."

Bonny turned and placed another plate and knife on the table. She looked at her husband with a look of disapproval. "Don't bother our guest while he's eating. He needs to get his strength back."

"Yes, ma'am," Matthew smirked and he kissed her. He winked at Ramiro when he sat down. "Always give a woman her way, Milan, or it will rain down on you like no tomorrow."

"Will you listen to that," Bonny huffed, "perhaps you should heed your own advise."

Matthew chuckled and cut off a chunk of cheese. "You know I love you."

"Yes," Bonny chimed, "you sure talk smooth when you're in trouble."

Ramiro quietly listened to their playful banter. It was evident that they loved each other very much. Judging from their looks, the weren't that much older than him, ten years at most. Did they know how lucky they were?

He nodded thankfully when Bonny placed two mugs of tea on the table.

"Milan," Bonny shook her head, "you need to eat more. Don't be shy. There's enough to share."

Matthew nodded. "Yes, please. It wouldn't do much good to pick you up from the snow only to have you starve in our own home. Eat." He pushed the bread towards Ramiro.

"You are very generous," Ramiro said.

"Nonsense," Matthew waved his comment away, "you needed help. I'm sure you would have done the same."