Chapter Text
I went to the forest creek to look for a pebble for Nene this morning and I think I spent too much time wading through the frigid waters to fulfill my end of the deal. Now, my fingers are quivering as I write and I still feel chilly even after drinking some lavender tea and having lunch, so I fear I might be coming down with a cold.
The sneeze I let out just now was so loud that Rui popped in a moment later to ask if I was alright. While I was explaining, his gaze landed on my trembling hands and his eyes narrowed once he connected the dots. He scolded me for going there despite the cold weather these days and then advised me to take the remainder of the day off to rest before it worsens. I think he was also irked that I'd sought Nene's help again, but he just told me to get well soon and grabbed the stack of documents I was supposed to review today before leaving.
With barely anything to do in my office, my mind wandered to my finds from this morning. I reached into my drawer and took out the amber rock I'd found from the creek to admire it. I couldn't tell Rui that this was the reason I spent so much time soaking my hands and feet in the freezing waters to look for a pebble for Nene.
Against the sunlight, the see-through rock's rich amber colour shone with a hue that reminded me of the glorious topazes of Rui's eyes. I can't help but smile while gazing at it. It's like I'm looking at Rui from an... intimate distance that he'd never afford me. It feels like a waste to keep the rock shut away in my drawer when its brilliance shines best under the sun. I want to see it at all times as I work, but if I kept it on my desk, I've no doubt that Rui would ask about its origins. And if that happens, I don't know if I could face the consequences of letting the truth slip out of my lips.
I suppose I'll heed Rui's advice for today and rest. I'll place the rock by my windowsill in my room instead. It's not the best place for it, but it makes a better home than my drawer, at least.
I should make one more cup of lavender tea for today.