Delphine and Dorian entered the house, their faces flushed and sweaty from the heat and their stomachs growling with hunger.
As usual, Delphine's father was at work during lunchtime.
The tempting aroma from the kitchen filled every room and corner of the house.
Delphine's mother was always happy to have guests for lunch, as it was often just her and her daughter during mealtimes.
So, having Dorian around was always a refreshing change.
Dorian had visited Delphine's house numerous times and had grown accustomed to the family's routines, knowing their home like his own.
He was well aware of Delphine's mother's culinary skills, and it was no secret that he loved staying over for meals.
Delphine headed towards the kitchen, carefully placing the bread and the pastries on a shelf.
Together with Dorian, they made their way to Delphine's room, carrying their backpacks.
Dorian's familiarity with the place was evident as they stepped inside, pausing to take in the surroundings.
The shelves lined with books, the cozy bed by the window, and the elegant dressing table in the corner... he knew that room by heart.
They quickly returned to the kitchen.
Delphine's mother was already busy in arranging the dishes on the table, humming along as she worked.
Delphine and Dorian exchanged a glance, their hunger intensifying with the irresistible aromas wafting through the air.
They quickly took their seats at the table and waited for the meal.
After a few minutes, Delphine's mother presented the first dish—a magnificent risotto, expertly blending textures and flavors.
Next came the succulent stuffed zucchini.
Their plates quickly emptied, as their laughter and conversation filled the table.
Delphine's mother truly was an exceptional cook.
Delphine loved every dish she prepared; she was a real food enthusiast who loved to explore different tastes.
However, fish was an exception.
Regardless of how it was cooked or who prepared it, just the sight of her mother handling fish before cooking it evoked a repulsive feeling in Delphine.
As lunch drew to a close, Delphine's mother returned from the kitchen, carrying a tray of the delicious pastries Delphine had bought from the bakery.
After that satisfying meal, Dorian stood up from the table, ready to clear the dishes, but Delphine's mom stopped him abruptly.
"Mrs. Helena, let me help you" he insisted, looking at her.
She shook her head firmly.
"No, Dorian, don't worry about it. You're our guest" she replied, warmth and kindness in her voice.
"Today we have to study for the next test. As long as you're in this house, you have no excuses!" Delphine playfully teased her friend.
They walked together to Delphine's room, where books and papers from previous study sessions were scattered across the desk and shelves.
Dorian swiftly settled into one of the chairs, placing his backpack at his feet, ready for an extended study session.
"Oh no, today we didn't even have that subject at school and I didn't bring the book" Dorian exclaimed, pretending to be concerned.
Delphine looked at him and replied "Don't worry, I have the book. And as I mentioned earlier, you have no excuses."
Delphine and Dorian revisited their notes aloud, laughing at their own mistakes and
the afternoon passed more swiftly than they had anticipated.
As daylight slowly faded, Dorian rose from his seat, gathering his belongings.
Before heading out the door, he turned to Delphine and asked directly "Are you planning on coming to the class rep's party next week?"
Delphine, still unsure of her answer, replied "I haven't decided yet. We'll see. Wait, why won't you stay for dinner too?"
"It's getting dark outside, and I'd rather not leave too late" Dorian responded.
"Okay, but next time, you *have* to stay!" Delphine playfully insisted, pointing her finger.
"I promise" he replied with a smile, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as he walked toward the door.
As he was about to leave, Delphine offered to walk him out, but Dorian declined.
"Let me know if you're going to the party so we can go together" Dorian called out before stepping outside the door.
"Sure! Have a good night" Delphine replied, watching Dorian vanish from her sight.
After enjoying dinner, Delphine decided to relax by taking a refreshing shower before getting ready for bed.
The water washed away the day's stresses, leaving her feeling rejuvenated.
She then changed into comfortable, summery pajamas.
With her long blonde hair still damp, Delphine started styling it into a neat braid.
Then, she secured it in place with a scrunchie and admired her handiwork in the mirror.
Delphine made her way to bed, turned off the lights and gradually drifted off to sleep.
But as she entered the realm of dreams, a disturbing feeling enveloped her.
Suddenly, Delphine found herself unable to move her body or utter a single word, scaring her to death.
It felt as if she were suffocating, struggling to catch a simple breath.
She opened her eyes in her dream and saw herself submerged in water.
Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a guy standing before her, his eyes piercing and cold like bolts of lightning.
It was the same guy she had met at the bakery.
Then, her focus shifted, and she found herself staring at her own anguished expression in the present moment before being transported back to a childhood memory.
She saw herself as a young child, recently adopted by her parents, overwhelmed by uncertainty about what the future held.
In a few moments she felt all the discomfort and pain of those years before she truly felt the place she called home was hers.
"Why can't I move?" she thought to herself.
Trapped and paralyzed, Delphine's heart raced uncontrollably, leaving her powerless to do anything.
Eventually, she woke up, drenched in sweat, gasping for air, and disoriented by her surroundings.
As she sat up in bed, she realized it had all been a nightmare.
Her mind had played tricks on her once again.
Taking a deep breath, she reassured herself that it was jusg a bad dream, that everything was alright, and that she was safe in her own bed.
She wiped the sweat from her brow, gradually allowing herself to relax.
It was obvious that this was another manifestation of the stress she had been experiencing lately.
She didn't manage to fall asleep again and made her way to the kitchen.
Scanning the counters and cupboards, she looked for the perfect ingredients for a relaxing warm drink.
She picked a blend of chamomile, lavender, and peppermint leaves known for their calming properties, she filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove, taking a moment to release tension from her shoulders with a deep breath.
Once the water reached its boiling point, she poured it over the tea leaves in a delicate ceramic mug, allowing the flavors to infuse for just the right amount of time.
Carrying the warm cup of herbal tea back to her room, Delphine settled onto her bed again and put on her earphones.
The soothing melodies that emanated from the music washed over her, lifting her spirits and relaxing her tense muscles.
Closing her eyes, Delphine let herself be carried away into a state of tranquility and peace.
Before she knew it, she had slipped back into a deep, restful sleep, leaving the nightmarish thoughts behind her, at least for the time being.