The sound of my howling stomach disturbed my peaceful sleep. My eyes are still sluggish that I wanted to go back to sleep but my stomach is too boisterous. It is starting to feel a shade of tingling. Ahh! I groaned. I forced my body to stand up and search for the door. The room is too dark for me so I have to grope my way out.
I found my way to the kitchen and tried to search for the fridge but found none. Am I not in my own house? My mind is still a bit fuzzy. I tried searching in the dark because my stomach is now upset more than ever.
I was able to discover a bread. Though it was a little bit distinctive to the bread I used to eat before. I was able to have a glimpse when a light from the moon penetrated the windows.
I took a bite while searching for more food. I think I need more carbs. Do I have some left over rice perhaps? My body needs to eat something heavy right now.
"What are you doing?" a manly voice spoke from somewhere.
I screamed in surprise. Then the man rushed to cover my mouth with his hand. His eyes glint a murderous aura. W-wait! this man… my eyes widened unbelievingly.
"Hush! Don't you know what time is it? are you going to disrupt the entire community with your bawl?!" his tone is intimidating.
I haven't gotten over my thoughts yet. this man, I think I remember him. Wait… the funeral. the flight. Then the shipwreck. The ocean. The raging waves. The shore! Every bit of memory about my sailing experiences came to my remembrance. So the man on the shore, the one who saved me was this man. it's not a dream! His not a dream!
Liam. My mind somehow caught his name. he must have seen my confused eyes, baffled with questions so he loosens his grip on me.
"What are you doing down here?" he walked near the wall and turn on the light. I blink my eyes twice to adjust on the brightness of the room.
"I-I…" I didn't finish my statements since my howling stomach speaks it all. I shyly looked at him "Sorry." I whispered clenching my shameless stomach.
Then I saw a small curved on his lip. I think he wanted to laugh but he restraint himself. He slowly walked near me. Then he reached something over my head. We were just an inch away and my nose was able to catch his fragrance. It was like a fresh cool water from the mountains. His smell, he's emitting a fresh aura. Ah... I had my eyes closed for a minute. So refreshing!
"Eat something healthy." I heard him speak. Then he laid some containers on the empty table. "Sit down and eat." He ordered. I immediately open my eyes and silently followed like an obedient child.
"T-Thank you." I whispered. Then he took a seat opposite me. Eh? How am I supposed to eat comfortably? Is he going to guard me? Is this his silent warning for me not to finish off all the foods? I scowled silently.
I tried to focus munching my food but I can sense a penetratingly gaze on me. I shyly looked at him and met his silver gray eyes.
"Is there something wrong with my face?" I asked. But I didn't receive any response. His eyes were glued on me and I felt awkward so I averted my eyes on my food instead. Why bother to accompany me when he doesn't even want to talk to me? Is he mute? Ah, so annoying!
"By the way, thank you for saving me." I am trying to strike a conversation. "I thought I already reached my dead end. I hope someday I will be able to repay your kindness." I tried to wait for his response but I failed. Yet, I chose to smile sincerely anyway.
"And if I may ask, what is the name of this country?" I met his fierce gaze.
"You talk too much. Are you done eating?" he didn't actually answer my question. I nodded even though I'm not yet full.
"Go back to your room then." He stood up first. "You still need to wake up early so I could send you off."
"Eh? Send me off? To where?" I stood up immediately as I try to catch up with him. I stood in front of him. "Wait! what do you mean by that Mister Liam?" I accidentally blurt his name. I saw him twitch suspiciously.
"Woman! I'm sure that you're not from this country so how did you know my name?" he was upset. Did I offend him by stating his own name?
"I-I heard it at the shore. I was half-awake when you found me." I explained but I can sense that he doubted me even more.
"You better go back to sleep. You have to leave this place as soon as tomorrow morning!" he spoke with finality. I felt a chill on my spine but I didn't display it in front of him. So I dejectedly took the stairs going to the room. Ahy! What a harsh gentleman! I spouted silently.
***
As for Liam, he was looking at the woman's retreating figure skeptically. Just who is this woman? Is she possibly a spy? if she is, then who sent her? He was lost on his own thoughts. He can easily dispatch a person if he has doubts about the identity, but he decided to give the benefit of the doubt for this foreigner. He'll find out soon if this lady is truly a spy.