The situation is exacerbated by my mere four hours of sleep. That was unwise. I extricate myself from Cohen’s grasp without rousing him, which is unexpected. I proceed to my bathroom to brush my teeth. My mouth is exceedingly parched; I attempt to hydrate and then proceed to take a shower. I begin with cold water to alleviate hot flashes, gradually increasing the temperature. Upon my eventual release, I experience a slight improvement in my condition. Upon my entrance into the room, Cohen opens his eyes.
“Have you already taken a shower?” “I presumed you might be experiencing discomfort this morning,” he enquires.
I feel unwell; hence, I took a shower. It commenced as a frigid shower. I feel somewhat improved, to some extent,” I groan.
“You?”I enquire.
“I am well; I consumed little alcohol.”
“You consumed alcohol throughout the night,” I observe.
“Indeed, however, I was moderating my efforts.” It requires considerable effort to intoxicate me, and I did not wish to be inebriated and incapable of safeguarding you. “I also did not wish to feel unwell today; it is a significant day,” he remarks with a smile.
“I appreciate your kindness, but I am fully capable of self-sufficiency.”
I acknowledge your position; however, if you were to become significantly inebriated, perhaps you would not maintain that stance. I intended for you to enjoy yourself and consume beverages to your heart’s content. I required clarity to feel satisfied with it. You did not exert yourself as vigorously as the majority of your peers. The majority exhibited slurred speech and unsteady movements, yet you did not.
“Excellent!” I would experience embarrassment if I were in that situation, and I cannot fathom the extent of my discomfort if I exerted myself as they did,” I lament. I retrieve clothing from my suitcase. Seeking comfort today, I donned black and grey camouflage leggings paired with a black t-shirt. As I dress, Cohen whistles.
“Impressive, young lady!””
Whenever he has the opportunity, he observes me. I genuinely appreciate it; it seems he is insatiable in his affection for me. I styled my hair in a dishevelled high ponytail and packed the remainder of my toiletries while Cohen took a shower. As he dresses, I whistle at him, “Damn, Boy!”He laughs at my catcall.
Cohen transports both bags to the front door and places them there.
We enter the kitchen, and it emits the aroma of bacon.
“Salutations!” What are your current feelings?Brandon enquires while standing at the stove, managing four pans filled with grilled cheese.
Cohen’s cheerful voice exclaims, “I feel excellent.”
“I am not faring well, but it appears you will remedy my situation!””
Brandon smiles and acknowledges with a nod. “I appreciate it.” I wince.
“No issue.” When experiencing a hangover, her remedy is bacon grilled cheese, Cohen, for your information.
Cohen expresses gratitude to Brandon for the counsel. I approached Alyssa in her high chair and bestowed a kiss upon her. Cohen enquires about Alyssa’s ice cream date from the previous night. I could genuinely observe him all day being affectionate towards her.
We eat breakfast, and hang out drinking coffee and talking for an hour before we start to get ready to leave. We grab Alyssa’s crib mattress, and I pack up her suitcase. I conduct a final inspection on the upper floor. We possess all items. This final inspection was arduous. One aspect of me feels considerable sadness about departing, while another aspect is eager for the prospects that lie ahead. Tears are shed as we bid farewell to Brandon.
Alyssa is unaware of the reason behind Brandon’s and my tears, thus she is offering us numerous hugs and kisses. Upon our departure, we proceed to Serena’s residence, followed by Elaine’s house for my farewell. Increased weeping. I then bid farewell to Norah and Gavin. I returned her outfit that I borrowed last night. Our farewell was poignant as well. Norah has been one of the most robust support systems in my life.
This is challenging. Numerous tears, accompanied by abundant kisses and embraces from a worried Alyssa. Cohen is exhibiting genuine kindness, and it is evident that witnessing my distress causes him pain. Upon entering his truck, I was grateful for his insistence that I abandon my SUV and accompany him instead. He stated that he would dispatch some individuals to retrieve it on my behalf. I am currently appreciative, as I am not in an optimal condition to drive at this moment.
“Will you be alright, darling?”He enquires and extends his hand to grasp mine. I express approval through a smile and a nod.
Alyssa states, “Mother is melancholic.”
“I am completely recovered now, observe,” I say to Alyssa while displaying an exaggerated smile.
“Is there anything I can assist you with, darling?””
“Frozen dessert.” Ice cream consistently provides assistance.
“Ice cream at 11 am, it is,” he laughs. Upon our arrival in town, we halt at a diner that additionally offers ice cream. Cohen enters and retrieves a cone for Alyssa and me, despite his lack of desire for one. Upon commencing the consumption of my delectable chocolate brownie ice cream, I experience an improvement in my mood.
Cohen remarks, “You appear more attractive.”
“The therapeutic attributes of ice cream,” I remark with a smile.
“It was profoundly distressing to witness you in such a state.” “I must ensure a continuous supply of ice cream at home,” he states, accompanied by a warm smile. His designation of the place as ‘home,’ implying it belonged to both of us, did not escape my attention. This serves as a reminder that this is the optimal decision for Alyssa and me.
Upon arriving at Bloodfang Moon, I am astonished by the pleasantness of the surroundings. The abundance of houses suggests a population exceeding that of Lunar Howl Moon. This appears to be substantial. What is the size of your pack?I enquire as I survey my environment while he operates the vehicle.
