The Awakening — Episode 7

to mine, already looking at me. For a few seconds, neither of us said anything. Then he went back inside. I figured he was going to bed. Two minutes later, a soft knock on my bedroom Nora. Kyle stood in the hallway, holding a pair of slippers, looked like my size.

Don't walk around barefoot. I can do it my... Left foot. Kale.

Relax. He slid the slippers on for me himself. I forgot how to breathe. I didn't sleep all night.

That cedar scent was everywhere. It was driving me insane. insane. At six in the morning, I gave up trying. I went downstairs and found Kyle standing at the stove. Something sizzled in the pan. The whole kitchen smelled like butter and vanilla. My jaw

dropped. You cook? He glanced back at me. The corner of his mouth twitched. Let me guess, you didn't think someone like me could survive on his own? He wasn't wrong. He tilted his head toward me. Come here. I walked over. Try this. He picked up a piece of toast with some kind of spread on it. I reached for it. He moved it away from my hand and brought it to my lips instead.

dead. I froze. Open up, Nora. His voice was low. I opened my mouth and took a bite. His thumb grazed my lower lip, slow, wiping away what was left of the spread. He didn't pull back. How's it taste? He asked. I couldn't speak. He looked down at me. Maybe you should try getting to know me.