Nathan leaned back on the sofa, letting the silence sink in. The weight of his return, the strange mix of emotions—it all pressed heavy on his chest.
After a moment, he stood up and wandered to the small kitchen. His hand reached for the fridge handle. Click. The cool air washed over him.
"…Huh." He blinked. "Still here."
Rows of simple groceries greeted him—eggs, a half-full bottle of mineral water, and tucked in the corner… a small pack of yoghurt cups. He grabbed one, peeling off the foil lid.
Validia's sharp eyes immediately locked on him. "What… is that?"
Nathan raised a brow. "Yoghurt. It's… uh, kind of a human food. Made from milk."
Her brows furrowed, suspicious. "Milk… but it looks strange."
"Here." Nathan scooped a spoonful and held it out. "Try it."
Validia leaned forward cautiously, her lips brushing the spoon. The moment the cool, tangy sweetness hit her tongue, her crimson eyes lit up.
