It was afternoon when Matthos's plans paid off. He went upstairs with his afternoon coffee and was about to monitor Lumi's pulse when his instincts caused him to move aside. He caught her wrist just in time before her palm could hit his cheek. That would've been awful, considering his recent muscle injury only completely healed a month ago.
Matthos was about to utter a curse word when he saw the look in her eyes—fear. It was as if she were a mouse cornered in a trap. He quickly changed his tune and mustered a smile.
"I'm glad you're awake," Matthos's words caused Lumi's look to become a mix of fear and disbelief.
"Are you hungry?" he queried.
"Pa-par-parched," she said in a hoarse voice, that it almost sounded like a squeak rather than someone speaking. He handed her a bottle of water, to which she only stared in confusion. Matthos tipped the spout on top of her bottom lip at an angle. Understanding his actions, she puckered and allowed him to give her water. Forgetting his existence, she drank the water greedily and finished it all with a burp. When she became aware of her surroundings, Lumi's eyes widened in embarrassment.
"Grammarcy," she uttered, her voice finally sounding better.
The word caused Matthos to lift his eyebrows. That was an odd word to use.
"It's fine," he pretended to shake it off. He was about to ask another question when it suddenly went dark.
Lumi screamed, to which Matthos calmed her down by wrapping his arms around her and gently patting her head. He did not even give it a second thought. His instincts just made him jump into action. She stopped screaming, but she continued to tremble in his arms. Matthos brought out his phone and turned his flashlight on.
He didn't pause to explain. Rather, he wrapped Lumi with a blanket and carried her downstairs, where the fireplace was. The occasional lightning gave them additional light. Matthos was thankful that despite her fear, Lumi obediently sat on the sofa. It was a good thing he stocked up on some firewood. Once the fire warmed the living room, Lumi finally got the chance to look around.
"Where-where am I?" she clasped her hands and avoided his gaze
"Somewhere safe."
Safe? I don't feel safe." she blurted, but Matthos didn't need to look at her to see the regret in her face.
"The lights went out because of a power interruption," he explained," The storm is still going on, and I don't think we'd have power for a few days. We'd have to make do with candles and the fireplace."
She didn't fully grasp the meaning.
'What does power interruption mean?' she asked to herself.
"I'll be back," Matthos handed her some pillows and left her in the living room to prepare food. Lumi felt curious about the room. The chair was soft as if it was made of cotton, she deduced. The carpet looked like the expensive Persian tapestry travelers often sold in the trade road. There was even a lamp.
It baffled her, as the place wasn't spacious. It felt like a cabin, but its contents were luxurious.
'This man isn't ordinary,' she thought.
"Let's eat."
Her train of thought was interrupted by Matthos, who was carrying a tray. He heated some soup and bread on the gas stove. As silent as a cat, he only handed her food and then ate on the other side of the room.
Lumi ate her food politely, but she did not savor the taste of the food. She scarfed it down, taking glances at Matthos in between.
"Grammarcy," she handed her empty bowl and glass. Matthos was about to ask if she wanted a second serving when he saw her squirm around and touch the scabs. It continued to heal, but it's still in its scab state, he noted.
"Don't do that. I'll put some ointment," quickly retrieving the tube, he plopped down and started to dab the gel on her wounds. Matthos tried to ignore the sharp nails digging into his back as Lumi hissed in pain.
"Salve," she corrected.
"It's alright."
"T'is right," she said in an authoritative voice, with a tinge of accent that he wasn't familiar with.
"Your name is Lumi, right?" Matthos stepped back, taking no chances, in case she tried to attack his vital parts.
She was silent for a while, gazing at the window as the storm continued to wreck what's outside.
"You said I'm safe? How did you know?"
"I just did."
"Safety is a dream."
"How so?"
"Mayhap, I will tell you when you find yourself afeared," Lumi smiled. She didn't know who he was, but she could feel that he was decent.
Matthos gathered his courage and asked
"Do you know where you are?"
"No"
He slightly tilted his head and thought of a way to deliver the words well. "Lumi, do you know what year it is?"
"Time flows differently for me. I only remember that the soldier told me to hide under the canal. The only thing I heard were gunshots, and then I woke here."
She wasn't lying. Time did flow differently for her, further supporting Matthos's theory.
"How did you know my name?" she asked warily, "Did something whisper to your ears?"
"Yes."
"I do not know what I am," Lumi confessed," I only know that I need to search for both the question and answers."
Matthos sympathized, and as he gazed at her amber eyes that reflected the fire illuminating the room. Her purplish-grey hair was askew, and she was still pale. But there was still some fight left in her.
It wasn't the right time, he decided. Lumi didn't, or rather, couldn't wait for Matthos, as her eyes drooped. Her body could not hold on any longer. She quickly fell asleep.
Matthos smiled, he decided to just let her sleep on the sofa, and he'll take the other. But before going upstairs to retrieve his beddings, he crouched down and whispered, "It's fine if you don't know the questions and the answers. I'll stay by your side to guard you." he promised and left her in her slumber.
She believed him.