“Some. Others not so much. It shouldn’t be too hard. But it pays a lot of money. When I come back, I’ll buy us one of those carriages so we don’t have to walk everywhere.”
“A carriage? Those are so expensive, Nyk. We don’t need such a thing.”
“I can walk long distances since I have better endurance. But you can’t. We need some transportation. Remember last time we went out, you had blisters on your feet the next day.”
One of the effects of my prolonged Zantrax use is that I’m now slightly above a mortal. But I’m still rather useless, too.
“You…noticed?” She bites her lip.
“Of course I noticed. You seemed uncomfortable even in the house slippers.”
She flushes and nods. “I wish I could heal faster, like you.” She sighs. “And the endurance, too. I wish I could walk farther...”
“You will be able to!”
A smile pulls at her lips. “That’s so sweet of you,” she whispers. “How how long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure yet. But I will leave some money for you while I’m away. It should last you quite a while.”
I plan on leaving hereverythingI have left.
“All right,” she says with a bright smile. “But you must promise me you will be careful. I don’t want you to come back hurt again.”
I force a smile. “I promise.”
In fact, I might not come back at all.
“Good. I hate to see you bleeding.”
I gulp down guiltily and nod.
We finish dinner and I head back to my room to pack. I place all the money I have left in a box and write a short letter with instructions in case Idon’tcome back.
Knocking on Moe’s door, I hand her the box and the letter.
“Open this onlyafterI’m gone.”
She blinks. “Why?”
“Just do it, please.”
She looks at me askance. I avert my gaze. “Please?” I whisper again.
“Fine.”
I nod. “I’ll leave early in the morning. You don’t need to wake up to see me off.”
She folds her arms over her chest, her head tilted to the side as she raises a brow. “That early?”
“Yes. I must catch the outbound carriage.”
“I see.”
“…”
I stare at her. This might be the last time I see her. I?—
“Can I… Can I give you a hug?” I ask with a stammer.
