The gray city was left far behind as they reached the scenic northern countryside. The sun had just begun to crest overhead when Ruediger’s truck rolled into Moonville Village.
The rolling hills were painted amber, so of the trees already half-bare from the leaves. A hint of winter could be seen here and there, waiting to be manifested after the last breeze of autumn blew.
Ruediger drove on the shortcut road Lariette showed him during their previous visit, heading to the cottage. At nine-thirty, the residential parts of the village were quiet, unlike the market square and farms.
"The air feels so nice. Don’t you think so, Eddy?"
Lariette humd after wounding the window down slightly, taking in the fresh crisp air. The breeze ruffled through her bangs as it gently caressed her face.
Glancing at Lariette, a smile found its way to Ruediger’s lips, "It’s certainly way fresher than in the city."
During their previous visit, Ruediger genuinely enjoyed the tranquility offered by the northern countryside village. He loved it more than a bustling city.
"It’s way chillier here," Lariette pressed a button, raising the glass window up, "Aunt l said she switched on the heat already."
During their last stop earlier, Lariette texted lissa, telling her about their current whereabouts. The middle-aged woman stated she would keep the cottage warm while waiting for their arrival.
"That ans we gonna have a cozy nap, huh?" Ruediger glanced at the beaming Lariette, chuckles dancing on his lips, "Can’t deny I’m so sleepy."
"Who told you not to switch with ?" Lariette huffed, glaring at Ruediger, "You could nap a bit if I drove."
Ruediger had nothing else to say to Lariette aside from laughing. Indeed, he stubbornly kept driving instead of passing her the baton. He believed he would fall asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
In a few minutes, Ruediger finally parked the truck in the front yard of the cottage. The Campbells had already opened the gate wide.
Autumn flowers blood in the yard, well taken care of by lissa and Paul. Their vibrant hues added colors to the surroundings as they glead under the sunlight.
"Aunt l! Uncle Paul!"
Lariette jumped out of the truck, happily running to the Campbells who ca out of the cottage. Ruediger laughed in helplessness at the sight of his beloved bouncing in happiness.
"Lettie! How have you been?" lissa pulled Lariette into a tight hug, "Finally! You and Eddy made it here!"
"Hehe! Of course! Aunt l, how are you? Uncle Paul?"
While Lariette and lissa embraced each other, Paul greeted Ruediger who had just climbed down the truck. The n shook hands before Paul patted the younger man’s back.
"Eddy, you and Lettie lookin’ good, what a relief. Hurry and get in. It’s much cooler these days. We can talk more inside."
"You and Aunt l look as well too," Ruediger chuckled, pleased by the warm welco, "I do think the temperature is much lower here, being in the north and all."
The four of them made their way inside the cottage. The chill that clung to Lariette and Ruediger faded as they walked through the warmly heated building, shouldering their backpacks.
"I’ve made so food for you both. It’s in the kitchen," lissa said while gesturing in a direction, "You two just need to reheat it. The rooms are all ready. Take so ti to rest."
Paul nodded, sharing the sa sentint as his wife. He added, "Listen to your Aunt l. You won’t go to the festival tonight, right? There’s plenty of ti then. Also, co have dinner with us."
Lariette had already shared her and Ruediger’s finalized plan with the Campbells of going to the festival tomorrow from late afternoon to night when it was at its liveliest.
It was better than going there twice as in their original plan, which was tonight and then tomorrow afternoon.
lissa and Paul agreed with them.
"Yeah, I might bring Eddy to the hill near the graveyard this afternoon," Lariette smiled, glancing at Ruediger whose eyes were quite droopy, "Gonna visit Grandma first."
"That’s good," lissa smiled fondly, "Your Grandma surely missed you so much."
lissa and Paul left shortly after, understanding the pair needed rest after a long drive. Lariette and Ruediger sent the Campbells off to the door before exchanging smiles.
"Tired, huh?" Lariette chuckled. Lifting her hand, she brushed Ruediger’s face, "You should take a nap first. You didn’t rest much when we stopped."
Ruediger did drop by a few rest areas after the first one, but only briefly. Lariette also offered to drive, yet he insisted that he could still go on. There was no wonder why he seed less energetic than usual.
Exhaling a sigh, Ruediger pulled Lariette into his arms, leaning his face on one side of her head. He smiled when she returned the hug. She ran her palm on his back, gently stroking it.
"Yeah, I’m sleepy. If you’re not hungry, co and nap with ," Ruediger replied, his voice echoing above Lariette’s head.
"That sounds tempting. Hehe, I’m in. Co now."
Ruediger pulled away from Lariette, just enough to look at her. Arching his brow, he asked while showing an innocent face, "So, do I sleep in a different room like before? Or..."
"Hahaha! Don’t be silly! We’ll be in the sa room."
Bursting into laughter, Lariette pulled Ruediger by the arm, leading him to her childhood bedroom. Unlike their previous visit, they didn’t need separate chambers this ti.
The gentle rays of morning sunlight stread through the windows, filtered by the sheer curtains. Puffy white clouds drifted in the vast blue sky.
Sitting on the bed, Ruediger smiled at Lariette who had just changed into comfy loungewear. He stretched out his arms, his action lured laughter from the lady.
"Eddy, you really like to cuddle, huh?"
Lariette settled herself on Ruediger’s lap while encircling her arms around his neck. He cradled her waist, his lips curling into a smile.
"It’s so nice to hug you," Ruediger chuckled, "Didn’t you say I’m your cuddly bear?"
"Hehe, that’s so true. Aaa! Eddy!"
"Hahaha!"
Ruediger suddenly threw himself on the mattress, pulling Lariette along with him. His laughter and her shriek resonated in the bedroom, quite a contrast to the tranquil air outside.
Reviews
All reviews (0)