The shower of rain had subsided throughout their journey, and after a few minutes, the rain had stopped. The tiny droplets it left formed a rainbow through the horizon, and Solanne did not let this scene go and recorded everything on her phone.
The cabin owner, Vincent, had taken the lead. On their way, he started to share his story. "I grew up in this place," he began. Yael and Solanne were attentive to his words. "I'm 35 now, by the way."
"Eh, 35?" Solanne interjected. Yael frowned, giving her a look and saying he was embarrassed for her.
Solanne just rolled her eyes.
Vincent smiled. It was soft, alluring. And despite his wet clothes, there's something different from him. Considering his appearance alone, Solanne knew many women would go crazy for the type of guy like him. Moreover, the way he carries himself is so dignified that she can tell he is seasoned with time, and there's even a mysteriousness around him.
So… why? Why was he here instead of the city?
"I know that look, Solanne."
Solanne confidently smiled. She's not even embarrassed for her actions. "Well, pardon me. I just have many questions."
"Like, why did I live here? Continue my life here?"
"Yes. Perhaps you can give me any advice?"
Vincent chuckled. Yael shot Solanne a look. He didn't know what kind of advice she wanted. For him, his plans for his life are like a straight path. He was sure about what he wanted and what to do to achieve things.
He just doesn't understand. Or is there something wrong with him?
"What do you want?"
Solanne fell silent for a moment. All they could hear was the horses' footsteps, and they could see the sunset, creating a magical hue of orange, pink, and violet pastels on the sky.
"I actually don't know. I just wanted to think and have a break before this pandemic. This sudden pause was making me think a lot of things."
"A lot of things, huh…" Vincent mysteriously smiled. "Is it all about the future?"
"Yes."
Vincent sigh. "Would you love a cup of coffee later?" He asked. Solanne raised her brow. Eyes asking. "I feel like this talk can take longer.
Moreover," Vincent looked at Yael, "Both of you can stay for the night. It's been a while since I have someone over. It's much safer than walking."
Yael and Solanne looked at each other. "Yes."
--
30 minutes later, they arrived in a very cozy three-story home. There were a few houses they passed by going to where Vincent lived, and he seemed popular among people. Looking at the house, Solanne and Yael understood why.
The first floor of his house was converted into a coffee and bakery shop. The ambiance was dim, and most of the furniture used was vintage; Solanne could even tell that there was a history behind this.
"The first owners of this house were my parents. I've inherited it after they died."
The three of them entered the shop. Solanne saw several portraits hanging on the wall. One portrait has four people on it. Vincent looked like one of them. Solanne stared at it for a moment. "You have a sister?" She asked.
Yael sat on the chair and dried himself with the towel Vincent provided. It was the same for Solanne. "Yes. She's in the city now. She's still in college."
"What degree."
"Journalism."
"Admirable."
Solanne commented.
Vincent smiled. "Thank you. I'm also proud of her. She just called me last night. Also, You can use the bath now. I also prepared some clothes as I can see that both of you are soaked. There's also a washing machine there, so you can use it to dry your clothes."
Solanne eyes soften. "Thank you so much." She shifted her gaze to Yael. "You should take a bath first."
"Are you suggesting this because I'm the youngest here?"
Solanne frowned. "Where did that come from? Well, aside from that, I'm trying to be responsible. What if you catch a cold? Someone like you should never get sick."
Yael scoffed. "You go first."
"Eh, why?"
"Just go."
After witnessing their little barter, Vincent chuckled and handed Solanne a fresh towel. "He's being considerate because you're a girl."
Solanne blushed and teasingly looked at Yael. "Is that so?"
He glared at her. "Just go."
"Fine!" Solanne climbed upstairs while Yael was sitting on the first floor.
"You want something warm while you wait?" Vincent suggested. He was already behind the counter preparing his ingredients.
"A latte, perhaps?" Yael asked. Vincent nodded. "Sure. Any sweets you would want?"
Yael's eyes looked at the selection that was laid in front of him. "The strawberry shortcake."
Yael sat down and scrolled through his phone as his order was placed on the table. Vincent was wearing a black apron and had already changed his clothes.
"Should I pay?" Yael asked, taking his wallet out of his bag.
"No. it's on the house."
"Really?"
"Yes. Considered it as a payback of the Hassel you both endured coming here. Also, I'm preparing dinner. What would you like?"
"Up to you."
Vincent nodded. "Well then," He turned around and open his fridge.
"Your life here is very ideal. Slow, soft, comfortable. It's like autumn and summer." Yael couldn't help but comment as he was observing. Just by staying here on the first floor, Yael couldn't help but feel the coziness that was enveloping him.
He took a bite of the cake. He was surprised that it was neither too sweet. It was just the right taste for him.
Vincent smiled at him. "Would you believe that before I was here, my life is very much shitty?"
"No. You seemed to have been living your life full of success."
Vincent can't help but chuckle, grabbing some meat from the fridge to defrost it. "I get that a lot. But I have secrets, too."
Yael fell silent after that. Vincent glanced at him and seemed to fall into silence as he took a bite of the cake.
Minutes later, Solanne went down from the second floor, hair wet and wearing a fresh pajama. "Where—"
"You look good in my sister's clothes."
Solanne blushed as she smiled shyly. Yael frowned. That's a new expression coming from her. "Well, thank you. I love the cotton fabric." She shifted her gaze to Yael. "It's your turn now."
Yael nodded as he stood up. He grabbed the dishes he used and put them on the sink. "I'll clean this first—"
"No, it's okay. You should go ahead. It's not good if you have a fever after this."
Solanne nodded. " True. We can't have you getting sick. Besides," Solanne walked towards him and whispered. "You have been enduring all of my selfish requests until now. Thank you so much."
Yael's eyes widen in disbelief. He felt his heart stopped for a moment. Confused. He's getting more and more confused.
Before he could even look at her, his feet was already walking upstairs.
Solanne watched him go up, as Vincent said, "You seemed to care about him. I can see it in your eyes."
Solanne raised her brows. "You're pretty observant. I sometimes consider him my brother. He's the same age as him." Solanne looked over. "Are you preparing for dinner?"
"Yes. I'm thinking of preparing a homey meal since it's been a while since I have had people come over." Vincent turned around. "How about some beef stew and rice?"
"Fine by me," Solanne smiled, she seemed excited. "Would you want some help? I can cook some decent meals."
"No, it's okay. Since it's 2 and a half hours to cook, do you want coffee and sweets first? Yael already had the strawberry one."
"He loves sweets."
"What an observation." Vincent started peeling some potatoes and carrots.
Solanne chuckled and sat down. "Banna cake and coffee. Would that be, okay? Should I get it? You seem busy."
Vincent laughed. "Just like what I told to Yael earlier, It's okay. It's been a while since I have some company. Besides, I am thankful that both of you are here."
Minutes later, Vincent put down the banana bread and coffee on her table. It's still steaming hot, and the smell felt like home.
Solanne smiled a little. "I'm envious."
"About what?"
"How you look so successful. So peaceful. So grounded like this."
"Right," Vincent turned to her, after turning on the stove and started cooking. "You have some questions for me earlier, right?"
"I'm just curious. I feel like I'm left behind and still not where I wanted to be in life. I have debts to pay, and I'm even afraid of my dreams, so I do not know where to go. I'm envious. I'm so jealous."
"I don't have any advice," Vincent sighed as he went to Solanne and sat beside her. "What I have is a life full of experience. Would you love to hear it?"
Solanne blinked, taking a bite of the banana bread. She chuckled, feeling her eyes burned, tears threatening to fall. "I love stories."
--