Chapter 9 - Dan

(In the half-collapsed kitchen, Emili hesitates as she searches through the broken shelves. The sun shines into the room from the gaps between the damages of the ceiling, which are due to the bombings earlier from the war)

Emili: (Takes out some ingredients) No... This won't do. There's dust everywhere, it's too dirty to cook anything with them. And the eggs... Ugh, they're all broken. I have to throw them all out... (Sighs) Even though I wanted to make it up for Kora, things just aren't going well for me.

Ken: (Brings a bunch of tools and wood) Emili! Didn't expect you to be here. I thought you were on your way to deliver her food.

Emili: Hey Dad. (Sighs) Well, the food is delivered. But I wanted to make her something special. She was supposed to be my taster, but she really hasn't tried my recipes yet. Besides the bread which neither of us finished.

Ken: (Laughs) Well you can't make anything in a situation like this. I'm afraid all the materials are destroyed.

Emili: Well, I was hoping there might be any "survivors". (Throws all the ingredients into a big garbage bag) I'll go throw these away.

Ken: Be cautious when entering the kitchen from now, I'm going to fix anything that is still repairable, and I don't want to hurt you. (Wink)

Emili: (Waves hand) Yes, sir~

(Emili carries the garbage bag outside and dumps it into the pile of garbage stacked at the corner of the streets. Due to the destruction, many houses have been damaged just like Emili's home, and the citizens all piled up their garbage together at the corners of the streets, waiting for the garbage man to pick them up some time in the day)

Emili: Ugh, it's starting to smell now. (Covers nose) I better get back in before I die of nasty smells.

Dan: Hey, Emili!

Emili: (Turns around) Dan! And Jek, Hi! (Rushes over) Are you guys alright? Are you hurt anywhere? You have to tell me! No, nevermind, I'll check for myself. Put your hands up Dan!

Jek: Great, it's starting already, huh. The lovely dovely couple moments?

Dan: (Blush) Wait... Uh, Emili! I'm fine, I'm really really fine! The Defus couldn't hurt us even a bit, Jek was even able to slay 100 of them in a minute! Right, Jek?

Jek: Wow, now you believe me? Didn't you roll your eyes and then walked away without a comment when I first told you that?

Emili: (Touches around Dan's hands and waist) --Don't cover yourself up! Are you hurt here? Is it a really bad wound? Oh no, I'll have to call a Medic-- No, a Healer! Wait here, Dan! I'll be right back--

Dan: (Pulls Emili back) No! Nonono! I'm completely fine! Besides we have Medics following us. I made sure to check on with the Medics twice-- No, three times so you won't have to worry about me!

Emili: Then why did you cover up when I was checking?

Dan: (Blush) Well, I, uh. You know, it gets a little ticklish when you touch too much. I'm fine, I'm really fine. (Suddenly turns serious) Oh, and what about you? I was really worried so I came here right after we got dismissed. I know how scared you are about those Defus, did you manage to get to the shelter safely?

Jek: Ah, here it is, the lame couple scenes. I worry you, you worry me. I guess no one cares about me?

Emili: (Looks a bit unease) I'm fine... But my house is torn apart, it'll take some time for Dad to fix it up.

Dan: Those bastard Defus... Don't worry Emili, I'll come by to help. My house was far away from the explosions so they didn't cause any harm to my family. Although I have to go see them first, but I'll be right back. Jek can help too, while I'm gone.

Jek: Yea, yea... Wait what?

Dan: (Checking time) If I ride back in the fastest time, I think I can get back in about 2 hour or so. Can you wait for me?

Emili: (Frowns) No! You can get into an accident if you ride so fast. Just go normal speed, of course I can wait for you. I'll wait for you even if it takes you a day to come back.

Dan: (Blush) You shouldn't ever wait for me for so long.

Emili: But I want to.

(Dan stares into Emilis eyes. Then, embarrassed again, he quickly jumped onto his horse)

Dan: --I'll come back before the sun sets!

Emili: Ride safe, okay?! I won't forgive you if you hurt yourself!

(Dan gives a big smile as a reply, but his cheeks are so red no one knows if he's just too nervous to properly give an answer. Then, after staring at each other for about one whole minute, Dan finally takes his leave. Behind him stands Emili, who watches him slowly disappear into the crowd)

Jek: So no one cares about how I feel??? No??? Okay, whatever then.