Summer's Berceuse

05: Midsummer's Question

On a midsummer day, the wind breezed by in a grassy field speckled with color. In a field where few flowers bloomed, a tree can be seen standing not that far from her. Her voice played along the zephyr, tuning a melody. A melody that was only heard once to her yet caused an ache in her heart. As if her feet had a mind of its own, it started moving. She walked and it brought her under the tree. There she sat, wondering; a leaf fell, along with a teardrop.

“Why does a beautiful melody like this have to be sad?”

The blueness of his orbs evoked the memory in me.

“It's Leslie.”

“Why am I suddenly reminded of that?” I tried to shrug it off but my mind kept wandering. “Could it be him?”

I instantly snapped awake from my inner monologue when I felt my cheeks warmed.

“Oh!” I averted my gaze from his putting my hands on my face, hoping to cover my flushed cheeks.

“Why am I blushing?”  I asked myself, feeling even more flustered.

“Umm...” My head was still debating if I should ask if he was the boy I met that day.

“Have we...” I gazed back to see his eyes still fixated on me, wanting me to continue.

I shook my head. “I can't do it!”

“Ah, never mind.” My gaze fell abashed but lifted to meet him seconds later, giving a smile. “Nice to meet you, Leslie.”

“Also!” Ethan rummaged through the bag that he has.

“Uncle Phil just took it out of the oven and told me to bring it to you.” He took out a container that had slightly fluffy, dark, golden, and flaky crusty bread in it.

“It's brioche!” Excitement filled my voice and my eyes twinkled. Ethan opened the container and gave it to me. I immediately took a piece and ate it.

“So good!” I exclaimed, enjoying the flavor. I looked at the two and asked, “You want some?”

Ethan took a piece and ate it.

“It’s delicious! Uncle Phil never fails to create such amazing goods!” He commented. He glanced at Leslie, who was a bit hesitant, and gently slapped his back, invitingly. “Don't be shy, have some.”

His eyes met Ethan’s for a moment and Ethan smiled. I took a piece of the brioche and handed it to him. “Here.”

Leslie accepted it and tasted it. His face lit up with joy. “This is amazing!”

“Told you so!” I chuckled.

“Take this,” Ethan pulled out three canned coffees and handed me a can of latte and handed Leslie the black coffee. “I figured this will go well with coffee.”

Ethan placed down his espresso and walked over to the couch which was by the wall. He dragged it next to my bed and sat along with Leslie.

I took my canned coffee and tried to open it. After a few failed attempts of opening it, I let out an exasperated sigh. Ethan saw me struggling and offered to open it for me.

“Let me open it.” He offered. I gave it almost immediately and he effortlessly opened it.

“How are you?” Ethan asked, giving me the coffee.

“I feel better,” I took a sip of the canned latte. “Especially with this brioche.” I tittered.

“And...” I added, turning my head to Leslie. “I'm glad you came. I wanted to thank you personally for saving us.” I bowed slightly as Leslies cheeks tinted pink.