Ray blinked, stunned. Was it true? He hadn’t realized, hadn’t even thought that Es’s presence could have done this. She’d quietly woven herself into their lives, stitching together the broken pieces without ever calling attention to it. He felt the weight lift slightly, an unfamiliar sense of warmth spreading through him.
Ryan’s voice softened as he continued, his words almost reverent. "It’s like we’re back in those days when Mother and Father were still alive. When we’d all gather for als, telling stories, laughing... this place actually feels like a ho again. Not just a roof we hide under."
Ray’s heart stirred, the mories flickering through his mind like a long-lost lody. Es had brought life back to this old house, reviving sothing precious he’d forgotten they even had. The silence, the distance—it was all fading, replaced by warmth, laughter, a sense of belonging.
Ryan leaned in, his gaze intense. "From everything I’ve seen... the way she protects us, the way she’s treated Aron and Helga... I know one thing." He swallowed, his voice a bare whisper. "Es isn’t just our wife, Ray. She’s our family. And I believe she’d be the best mother for our children, the best partner for us."
Ray held his brother’s gaze, feeling a conviction build within him. In that mont, he realized Ryan was right. Es was more than just a na or title in their lives. She was the force that had brought them back to life, the heartbeat of their family. He’d cherish her, protect her—as fiercely as she’d fought for them.
The next morning, Ray stood in the kitchen, his brow furrowed in concentration as he clinked pots and pans around, clearly working on sothing. anwhile, Es, who had just woken up, lazily descended the stairs, her mind still foggy with sleep. Hearing the faint sounds of soone bustling in the kitchen, she assud it was one of the household staff. She settled at the table, flipping open a newspaper with a yawn. Without looking up, she called out, "Bring a cup of warm tea."
A mont later, a steaming cup of tea appeared in front of her. She took a grateful sip—only to nearly choke as the taste hit her. Her reaction was instantaneous as she spluttered, practically spitting the tea back into the cup. "What in the world...?" She whipped around, fully expecting to see a sheepish servant. Instead, her gaze t Ray’s—he was looking at her with a hopeful, expectant smile.
Realizing that he’d made the tea himself, her mind raced to recover. What on earth did he put in this drink? She forced a smile, the corners of her mouth twitching as she tried to sound sincere. "This is... quite the drink, Ray," she managed, her voice a mix of surprise and forced cheer. "Oh my, it’s so... unique."
Ray’s face brightened with pride, clearly oblivious to her struggle. "See? I told you it would be good!" He bead, the faintest blush of pride in his cheeks.
Es stared down at the tea, ntally debating her options: could she swallow another sip without gagging? Or was she already pushing her luck? But seeing the bandage around his eye—a sign of his recent dedication to their well-being—she softened a bit. After all, he’d clearly put in so effort.
"So... tell , where did you learn to make tea like this?" she asked, her voice betraying a trace of admiration.
Ray’s smile turned sheepish as he admitted, "Online! I found a recipe on YouTube."
She nearly choked for the second ti that morning. If I ever find this so-called "recipe" online, I’m definitely reporting it. She forced her voice to stay light, though, smiling as she prodded, "Really? So, how did you make this... unique creation?"
Ray, encouraged by her interest, leaned in, looking pleased. "Well, first, I boiled so water."
Es nodded slowly. "Okay, sounds right so far."
"Then," Ray continued with an enthusiastic nod, "I added the tea leaves."
"Good... very good," Es agreed, the slightest hint of relief creeping in.
"And then," Ray said, lowering his voice as if revealing a secret, "I put in so turric."
Her eyes widened, but she caught herself, nodding vigorously, "Turric! Wow... creative choice." Turric in tea? Really? she thought, pressing her lips into a forced smile.
Ray was oblivious, going on eagerly. "After that, I put in a pinch of salt."
Es’s smile wobbled. "Salt?"
Seeing her expression, Ray hesitated, his face clouding with doubt. "Wait... did I do sothing wrong?"
Es bit her lip, fighting the laughter bubbling up, and finally managed, "Oh no, not at all! It’s just... very original. You might have invented sothing entirely new, Ray."
Ray’s uncertainty slowly lted back into a shy smile. He glanced back at the kitchen counter, visibly relieved. "I just thought... maybe a little extra flavor would make it more special."
Es couldn’t help it—she reached out, patting his hand with a soft chuckle. "Well, Ray, I think I’ll stick with my... original recipe from now on, but I have to say, you’ve made my morning.
Ray’s face fell, his expression heartbroken as he asked, "I knew it. It’s not good, right?"
Es’s mind raced for a response as she saw the hurt in his eyes. She plastered on a smile. "No, no, it’s so good, Ray! It’s the kind of tea I’d want to drink every morning... right before, you know... dying."
Ray’s face brightened instantly, completely missing her grim undertone. "Then why aren’t you drinking more?"
Es’s forced smile wavered as she searched for an excuse. How did I get myself into this? she thought. In this mont, she finally understood why Ray’s mother had banned him from the kitchen. Perhaps his cooking skills—or lack thereof—were simply a danger to anyone with a functioning stomach.
Taking a deep breath, Es smiled through the panic. "I’m just... savoring it. It’s so unique, I want to enjoy every drop."
Ray grinned with pride. "Oh, that’s all? Great! Should I add so more chili powder, then?"
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