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Upon arriving home, dad still hadn't arrived. Peter and Liza were in the kitchen, preparing dinner, the noise of pots and pans could be heard. Neo let his things fall into the subdimension before stepping out of the entrance and headed straight to the bathroom, with heavy steps and a long sigh.
― Dalia ― What are you going to do? ― I asked, crossing my arms while looking at him from the doorway.
●― I want to bathe, I'm really tired. ― He replied without looking at me, while stretching.
― Dalia ― What does that have to do with anything? ― I raised an eyebrow, confused.
●― First I'm going to shower and then I'll get into the bathtub. ― He said, taking off his shoes before tossing them into the subdimension.
― Dalia ― Sometimes I don't understand you. ― I shrugged, sighing.
●― Heat dilates the blood vessels. That improves circulation and helps the muscles relax, which reduces accumulated tension and the usual muscle soreness after a physically or mentally intense day. Hot water works like a mild natural painkiller. ― I love when he talks like this, fast and without thinking too much. ― Then there's the neurological side the heat stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the one that tells the body it's fine, calm down, no danger. That's why heart rate and breathing go down, and the brain drifts toward a calmer state. It's common to feel a kind of heaviness afterward, like the moments before sleep. The steam also helps clear the airways and the skin, opening the pores and helping remove impurities. ― As he talked, he took off his shirt and let it fall gently to the floor, each movement showing his exhaustion. Without stopping talking to me he went to the well and filled two buckets of water.
― Dalia ― I want to as well. ― I said, getting a bit closer, watching his hands play with the towels and the water.
●― Fine, if you want you can bathe first and then I'll get in later. ― He offered with a tired smile, leaning against the doorframe before going for two more buckets of water.
― Dalia ― And what if we go in at the same time…? ― I said, watching him draw water from the well.
●― Fine… ― He muttered, then frowned. ― (Wait, how?) No, that's not right. ―
― Dalia ― Too late, you already said yes. Besides, I want to try showering with that shower prototype. ― I replied, getting closer to see his work better.
We went to the bathing room, where he filled a large jar with water and, using fire magic, began heating it. Watching him focused, putting all his effort into every movement, relaxed me in a strange way. As the steam started rising, he pulled from the subdimension a long steel rod, with two metal cushions one below with large holes and another above with smaller holes, only on one side. He assembled everything with steady movements, and I watched from the doorway, fascinated.
Without me noticing, dad passed behind me on his way to his bedroom, but I moved forward and hugged him tightly.
― Durman ― Little one, what's going on? ― He asked, wrapping his arms around me.
― Dalia ― Nothing, I just wanted to hug you. I love you a lot. ― I whispered against his chest.
― Durman ― I love you too. Do you know where mom or Neo are? ― He said, stroking my head.
― Dalia ― Mom stayed at a shop, she should come back any moment. And Neo wants to prepare the bathtub he says that staying in hot water for a long while gets rid of tiredness. ― I replied, still hugging him.
― Durman ― Tell her I want to as well these two days we haven't stopped working because of her. ― He smiled with complicity.
― Dalia ― Fine. ― I stepped away and went to the bathing room to see how Neo was doing, but the door was closed and the sound of falling water could be heard, like the shower from the subdimension.
― Dalia ― Are you showering? ― I called, resting my hand on the doorframe.
●― Yes, I'll be done in a moment. ― His calm voice came from inside, mixed with the steam slipping through the crack.
I waited for him by the door, playing with my hair between my fingers while wondering how that rod worked. Would it have carved runes or some hidden mechanism? Maybe, with some kind of water-movement rune, it could push the flow. But then… how did he make such tiny holes? There was so much I didn't know, and every question opened another.
When he came out, his hair was still dripping, sticking to his forehead in messy strands. He wore different clothes he had probably taken from the subdimension.
●― First shower and then I'll prepare the bath. ― He said, drying his neck with a towel.
― Dalia ― Fine. ― I went to my room for a change of clothes. When I heard him calling from downstairs.
●― Wait, let me fill the jar with water and heat it. Do you know how this shower works? ― He asked from the bathroom doorway without going in.
― Dalia ― No, but I'll figure it out. ― I said while going down the stairs.
●― Weren't you in the bathroom? ―
― Dalia ― No, I went for a change of clothes. ―
●― For the shower you just need to give it a little mana to turn it on. ― He explained with a half-smile before heading back to the well.
Neo went for more water. When he returned, he found dad and they started talking about how to transport the printing presses without anyone suspecting his subdimension. Neo scratched his head and told him they would talk later, that he was preparing my shower right now.
He heated the water and left me alone. Just as he said, when I gave the rod a little mana, hot water began to flow. I showered quickly, enjoying the warmth running down my back. When I came out, dad also wanted to shower, so Neo heated more water. According to him, that way he helped with house chores, though he seemed more like someone who wanted to please everyone.
While dad showered, we ate dinner. Halfway through the meal, mom appeared carrying new fabrics to make pillows. She had that tired but happy glow she gets when she finds exactly what she's looking for.
After dinner, Neo and I used water magic to move the water from the well to the bathtub. He shaped the water into a wavering serpent that slid along the hallway. When it reached the bathroom door, it was my turn to guide it to the large stone bathtub. We had a bit left over, so he filled several jars. He finally heated all the water with fire magic, leaving a soft steam that filled the room.
― Dalia ― I don't mind if you get in the bath with me. ― I murmured, not quite looking at him.
●― But I do, Dalia… my love, I can't do that. ― His voice trembled a little, as if afraid I might be upset.
― Dalia ― I don't want to be alone. ― I said softly.
●― Fine. ― He yielded, though he still looked unsure.
He left me alone for a moment, stepped out of the bathroom, and went to my room. This boy is sometimes silly, or maybe he just pretends. But he returned a moment later with the folding wooden wall.
●― If I place this folding screen in the middle, I don't think anything will happen. ― He said while unfolding it with a smooth movement.
He closed the door, set the screen right in the center of the bathroom, and sat on a small stool, resting his hands on his knees. He kept me company from the warm shadow of the lamp.
The water was quite hot I think he overheated it a bit, but earlier he said it was perfect. I guess he likes it that way. I sank down until the water reached my chin. I stayed silent for a long while. I knew he was there, and it didn't bother me… I just didn't feel fully accompanied. Then he broke the silence.
●― Well… how are things at work? ― He asked, tapping his foot on the floor with an absent rhythm.
― Dalia ― I'm having some problems with the glowing moss. I realized the leaves don't glow, the roots do, and that's useless because if I put it on a plate or bowl it doesn't give off light. And if I turn it upside down, it dies. ― I explained while dipping a finger in the water, watching the ripples hit my arms.
●― Have you tried putting it in a glass cup? ―
― Dalia ― I'll try tomorrow. ― I murmured, already imagining how it might work.
●― I hope it turns out the way you want. ― He added with a tenderness that softened me inside.
― Dalia ― Can I ask you something too. ― I said quietly, and he answered yes so fast I didn't even have time to think how to phrase it. I wet my hands and played with the water, letting it rise like threads between my fingers. ― I don't believe in Tolmas, not even in that thing called a god… but when you talk about your God you seem so happy. ― He stayed silent. I kept shaping little figures of water in the air to distract myself while waiting.
●― Tolmas exists. ― He said suddenly, with a tone that made me stop playing with the water. ― But he's not God. He's just a powerful being, like many in this world. What happened with him was terrible. I don't want to talk about that. ―
― Dalia ― Then what is your God like? ― I asked, this time sinking my hands to the bottom of the bathtub, as if the heat could give me courage.
●― He is pure love. He knows everything, He can do everything, but He forces no one. He only wants us to love Him because we want to. ―
― Dalia ― And why does He allow evil to exist? Like sacrifices, I think that's something bad. But people keep doing it. ―
●― Because He made us free, and if He took away our freedom we would stop being human. ― He replied without harshness, as if it were something he had said many times.
― Dalia ― That sounds complicated. ―
●― You should understand it. If you carve a rune wrong, it loses its essence, right? It's the same. God cannot go against His own nature. ―
― Dalia ― More or less ― My answer created an awkward silence. ― If He is pure love do you love Him more than me? More than your parents and siblings? ― I whispered the water surrounded my face and still my cheeks felt hot.
●― Yes. And because I love Him, I can love you without hurting you. ― I didn't know what to say. I closed my eyes a bit. I wasn't sure if it was the water warming me.
― Dalia ― You're strange ― I said at last, smiling without meaning to.
●― I just try to do what's right. ―
― Dalia ― And if I don't believe in Him, what happens to me? ―
●― I only know that He will keep loving you no matter what. ― That left me speechless.
The bubbles around me began to gather others bumped against my shoulders, as if they also wanted to hide from those answers.
― Dalia ― And how do you talk to Him? The other day you said you ask Him for things and talk with Him. ―
●― I usually do it alone. You don't need temples. I just thank Him and ask Him for things. ―
― Dalia ― And if I don't know what to say? ―
●― Tell Him anything. He listens even though He already knows what you're going to say. ―
I closed my eyes for a moment. The steam brushed against my forehead.
― Dalia ― If He already knows what I'm going to say… why do I have to say it? ―
●― Because intention is what matters. ― He answered softly.
― Dalia ― Then if I tell Him that I love Him, do you think He'll be happy? ―
●― Most likely. ―
― Dalia ― You said you love Him more than me, and you love me a lot… and not only me. My parents, Hunt, aunt Sena, Selene… and also your workers. When at dinner you talk about your day, it's clear you respect everyone and don't look down on them. Is that what your God teaches you? I want to understand why you love Him so much, what He did or taught you to make you so good to everyone. ―
●― God is like a father you love and who loves you. And even though I fear Him and love Him equally, I know He won't let me go down a bad path. And about loving… that was said by Jesus Christ, who is God made man. He told us to love everyone as He loved the world. And since Jesus Christ is my ideal of what I should be, I try to be like Him. ―
― Dalia ― I don't understand that part about God made man… are they two gods? ―
●― It's difficult. They are three different persons, but a single essence. Only one God. ― He said with patience.
― Dalia ― I don't get it… but then you talk to Him and He answers you. ―
●― Sometimes yes, with small signs, other times no. And I know His plan for me is better than anything else. ― He said while resting his elbows on his knees, looking at the floor as if thinking about something distant.
― Dalia ― And you trust Him a lot. ―
●― If I have God on my side, how am I supposed to be afraid? ― He lifted his gaze as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
― Dalia ― And what do I have to do so He's on my side? ― I asked, sinking my hands into the water to hide my trembling fingers.
●― I think I expressed myself badly. God doesn't stand on your side… you go with Him. ― He straightened a little, like he does when he wants to be sure I truly understand. ― It's like when Durman or Astrid taught you to carve runes. You could live alone, but you still prefer being with them, right? With God it's the same you can live without Him, but you choose to stay close. Going to Him and telling Him you love Him, thanking Him when He does something for you. Many times you ask for things and He grants them… other times He doesn't. And sometimes He gives you things you never asked for, but later you need them. ―
― Dalia ― Then… how do I tell Him I love Him? ―
●― You only need to confess that you believe He is God and tell Him you love Him. ―
― Dalia ― Who do I have to say it to? To you? Or do I have to say…? ―
●― Saying it in your mind, or where no one can hear you, He will hear it. ― I let the water cover me, held my breath as long as I could, and couldn't help imagining that I was drowning.
― Dalia ― And even so, can bad things still happen to me…? ―
●― When God is with you, you may stumble, but He will never let you fall. ―
― Dalia ― Neo… I'm feeling a little dizzy. ―
●― Get out now. The water must still be very hot. ―
I got up slowly, and the steam wrapped me like a dense cloud. He handed me a towel without looking, giving me space. He left the bathroom so I could put on my pajamas calmly. When I came out, I heard him speaking quietly with Dad. He told me to go ahead and wait for him.
I went to my room. The fire was lit, burning low; Dad had prepared it so I wouldn't be cold. If his God acts like Dad… how could I not love Him? Even though it was already spring, nights were still cold, so Dad kept the fireplace alive.
(So… it's just saying that I believe in Him, right?)
(― Dalia ― God of Neo, I want to believe in You and love You as Neo loves You. Please let me love You as he does. I don't know how I should pray to You, but I want You to know that if Neo is in my life and it's because of You, I thank You. He's changing my life, and I like being with him. Please don't take him away from me. ―)
I felt a knot in my throat. Before I realized it, tears rolled down my cheeks.
●― What's wrong? Why are you crying? ― He asked, worried, climbing into bed and hugging me from behind.
Dalia― I don't know… I prayed to your God. I told Him I love Him… and I started crying. ―
●― Jesus said: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." ― He whispered near my ear.
Dalia― Is this feeling normal? ―
●― Yes. It's probably the Holy Spirit telling you that God loves you too. ― He ran his fingers softly through my hair. ― It happens to me too. Let me comb your hair. ―
Since I had just dried my hair, it was a little messy. I turned my back, letting him comb it.
Dalia― And what else can we tell Him? ― I asked while he slid the comb through my damp strands.
●― Merciful God the Father, I thank You for placing Dalia in my path. She is a precious gift You have entrusted to me. Illuminate my mind to know how to care for her, and my heart to always treat her with righteousness. Holy Spirit, living force of love, help me organize my thoughts and steps, help me act with patience, tenderness, and truth. Lord Jesus, who taught us to love without measure, let me learn from Your devotion, and let my actions reflect Your mercy. Holy Mary, Mother of God, accompany me with Your protection, teach me to protect Dalia, to respect her, and to be worthy of the affection she gives me. ―
― Dalia ― How beautiful… ― I murmured, feeling warmth in my eyes again.
●― Don't cry. ― He said, rubbing my back with his warm palm.
― Dalia ― How come God has a mother? ― I asked between sobs and breaths.
●― When Jesus came into the world, He didn't appear without a mother, He was born like all of us. That's why His mother is called Mother of God. Not because she created Him, but because she carried Him in her womb. That's why we love her so much. ―
― Dalia ― I don't fully understand… but it seems beautiful. By the way… at night you say something before sleeping. What do you say? ―
●― I usually thank Him for everything that happened during the day and ask forgiveness for all the wrong I've done. ―
Dalia― I want to do that too. And what about that 'Our Father in heaven'? The other day I couldn't remember it. ―
He taught me to pray the Our Father. We repeated it about twenty times, laughing whenever I stumbled. Then he explained the rosary to me and how to pray to the Virgin Mary.
― Dalia ― I like the Hail Mary… it feels like acknowledging God and His mother. ―
Neo nodded without saying anything, just kept combing my hair patiently until I was almost asleep.
When he noticed sleep was winning, he didn't hesitate to slip us under the sheets and hold me. He smelled of soap, and I felt the contrast between his warmth and the cold sheets. That night, my last thought was him… and God.