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Nell typed back.I don’t want to talk about it.

“Can I ask one more question?”

Nell nodded.

“Will you try to talk to me more?”

“Maybe,” she said out loud, a slight smile crossing her face.

Chapter 9

Nell

Acombinationoflightstreaming in from the window and soft snoring woke Nell the next morning. She sat up in bed, staring at Maklr’s sleeping form. His head rested on his bicep, and his back was to the bed, affording Nell as much privacy as possible during the night.

She rolled out of the opposite side of bed and brushed her teeth before making her way into the kitchen. When she arrived at the cabin the previous day, she tossed her tablet on the kitchenette’s table. She tapped it, grateful it still held charge.She logged into the resort’s page and smiled as she tapped on ‘Guest Amenities’, placing an order. Her tablet now charging, she smiled at her plan.

In the small chiller, she found the porridge Maklr used for breakfast earlier and more fruit. She set about making the same meal he prepared their first full day at the resort.

“Good morning,” Maklr said. “I’ll be out of your way in a moment.”

“I made breakfast.”

Three words. Maklr turned. “Breakfast?” He held a clean shirt and pants in his hand. “You cooked for me?”

Nell held the pot with the porridge. “Not really.”

Maklr smiled. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to do a taste test.” He disappeared into the bathroom.

Nell heard the shower start, and began cutting the fruit. She couldn’t help but feel a connection to Maklr. He’d only ever been professional towards her, but she was drawn to him. He was a constant feature in her dreams. After her nightmare, she instantly settled knowing he was nearby. He was the only difference.

When Maklr stepped into the kitchen, his white hair hung damp around his bronze horns.

“Breakfast is served.” Nell slid two bowls on the table.

Maklr pushed the tablet closer to her.

“I’m going to try to talk. I decided last night.”

“Why did you change your mind?” Maklr spooned porridge and fruit against the side of the bowl.

“I feel like I’m being crushed by this enormous weight, and it’s preventing me from taking a step forward.” Dark lashes hid Nell’s eyes.

Maklr lowered his arms when his claws lengthened. He winced as they punctured the underside of the table. He forced himselfto remain calm lest he frighten her. “From where I stand, you’ve made the first step toward healing.”

Nell nodded. “What are we going to do today?”

Maklr looked out the window. “It’s raining. Unless you’re up for a walk in the rain, would you show me where you grew up in the holo-suite?”

“I can do that.”

“What’s that delicious smell?” Maklr’s deep voice called from the living room.

“I’m making a version of an empanada,” Nell said, raising her voice above her typical level, not looking up from the oil boiling on the stove.

“What’s that?” Maklr padded into the kitchen.

“Yikes! When did you get in here? How were you so quiet?” She yelped and jumped back straight into Maklr’s body, startled at the sound of his voice directly behind her. Her hands trembled and hit the wooden spoon in the pan of hot oil. Droplets splattered over Nell, the cooking surface and countertop. She threw her injured hand in the air and rushed toward the sink. “Ah, damn. I need cold water.”