The next day, Illius summoned the strength to sit up in bed; he’d slowly started to feel his toes again. He leaned against the wall beside the bed and took the plate that Hireth had given him. On it sat a simple bread, meat, and cheese sandwich. He set the plate in his lap and hesitated just a second before lifting the sandwich. In his life, he’d eaten far grosser things, and he really didn’t want to inconvenience this woman more.

“Stop!” Eric leapt from his seat and snatched the sandwich out of Illius’ hand. He turned to Hireth. “Are you trying to poison him?” Then, he marched out of the room before she could say another word.

She looked down at Illius. “Poison? Do you have allergies or something?”

“I… don’t eat meat,” he muttered. “It’s fine. It’s not a big deal.”

“You should have told me.” Hireth sighed. “It doesn’t make any difference to me. I can make you things without meat in them.”

“I don’t really want to be an inconvenience.”

“You’re not,” she said. “So, what do you like to eat?”

He paused for a moment. “I like mushrooms.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “What else?”

“Potatoes, carrots, salads… eggs. Your bread is really good.”

“If you eat like that every day, no wonder your hair is so soft.”

“It is?” He looked up, startled.

“Yeah. I love long hair on guys—Eric keeps threatening to cut his, and I keep telling him it’d be a shame.”

“In the institute, they made fun of him for it.”

She shrugged. “I’m not surprised. That means they must’ve made fun of you, too?”

Illius nodded. “Eric… watched out for me.”

“Good. So, he’s not completely useless,” she said with a sly look in her eyes. “So, what do you think would look better on him: long hair or short hair?”

“I dunno. I like the one-side cut,” Illius answered. Then, his face colored. Hireth had a small, satisfied smile on her face. Before she could comment though, Eric came down the stairs again and entered the room with a bean, lettuce, and cheese sandwich on a plate.

“What the fuck is that atrocity?” Hireth asked.

“A sandwich,” Eric defended. “That won’t kill him.”

She rolled her eyes. “Illius, you do not have to eat that. I can go make something else.”

“It’s fine.” Illius took the plate. “It looks good.”

“See?” Eric told her.

“He’s being polite. Who puts beans in a sandwich? Who taught you how to make a sandwich?”

“Beans are nutritious, and you taught me how to make a sandwich!”

“So are nuts, but you don’t put them in a sandwich!” Hireth said.

“I’d put nuts in a sandwich,” Eric retorted.

Hireth shook her head. “You’re the nut.”

“Yeah, well, you can suck on these—”

“Eric!” Hireth interrupted, smacking his shoulder playfully.

“What?” He looked a little sheepish.

Hireth just glared at him, rolling her eyes. “You are such an ass sometimes.”

To ease the tension in the room, Illius spoke up. “Thank you.”

Hireth glanced from Eric to Illius and left the room with a flat expression. “You don’t fucking deserve him, bean man.”

“Witches,” Eric grumbled, looking back at Illius.

Illius focused pointedly on his food.

“Is it really bad?” Eric asked, peering timidly at the plate.

Illius shook his head, looking up. “You remembered… about the meat.”

“Yeah.” Eric shoved his hair out of his face. “You should have just told her.”

“I don’t want to be a bother,” Illius said with his mouth full.

“Preferences aren’t a bother—hey, I was actually gonna ask, should we tell your mom you’re alive?”

That was actually quite thoughtful. “I don’t—it’s probably better she doesn’t know. She’s kept enough secrets for me.”

“Dude, I don’t know your situation, but… I’d give anything to know my brother was alive.”

Illius glanced up at Eric. “I’m sorry. Again.”

“It’s fine.” Eric shrugged. “But if you want to write a letter or something to your mom, Hireth could probably get it to her. She has contacts all over Patria. It wouldn’t go through the regular mail.”

“Thanks, but… I don’t think I could write a letter right now.” Illius held up one of his hands, which was still shaking.

“I can help you,” Eric offered.

Illius paused. It was a kind offer, but then these people would know where his mother lived. What if this was all just an elaborate scheme? His face must have looked uncomfortable, because Eric said something.

“We’re not gonna hurt her. It’s just—there’s no pressure either way. It’s just an offer.” Eric stood up and reached for the empty plate.

“Sorry, I…” Illius trailed off. “I don’t know who to trust. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Eric said shortly, not meeting Illius’ gaze. “I get it. After everything, I wouldn’t want to trust anyone either.”

“Thanks,” Illius whispered, pulling his blankets closer.