A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Cooking isn't hard, you know. I'll teach you. And while we're at it, I'll show you a few recipes I know that are a little more...well, restorative. If he can't keep much down, maybe these will help. I'll add something to boost his appetite, too."noveldrama

Calliope let out a long sigh. She stared out the window at Hudson, feeling a knot in her chest.

He knew his own fate now. He knew he could go at any time.

What could he possibly be thinking right now?

Maybe, she thought, he wasn't afraid of dying. But she was sure he wasn't ready to leave Lance behind, or everything else he cared about.

"Okay." Lance wiped away his tears, his voice trembling. "Callie, are you sure there's nothing else we can do?"

"At this point, I really don't have any better options." Calliope lifted her head. "I've reached out to everyone I know. No one has a solution. So our best bet is just to make sure he's comfortable, keep him as happy as we can."

"Mood really matters, you know. If he's in good spirits, that can help him hang on longer. And Lance, you have to look after yourself, too. The way you feel, he feels it, too."

"I know." Lance nodded.

After that, Calliope brought Lance into the kitchen. She didn't cook herself, just guided him step by step.

Lance picked things up quickly, maybe because he was putting his whole heart into it.

Calliope couldn't help but grin at her student.

"Look at you, Lance! You've got a real knack for this. Shame you never tried cooking before. You could've made a heck of a chef!"

Once the food was ready, the three of them sat down to eat.

Hudson seemed to really enjoy the meal. He ate more than either of them expected.

Lance watched in surprise. He scooped a piece of roast chicken onto Hudson's plate and said, "Slow down, will you? No need to rush."

Hudson looked up, a smile tugging at his lips. "Funny. That's exactly what I used to say to you."

"Yeah," Calliope laughed. "Tables have turned, huh? So, what do you think. Can you tell this is Lance's handiwork? He's a quiet genius, don't you think?"

"No kidding?"

"Of course!" Lance said, feigning arrogance. "Callie just told me what to do, but I did all the work. See? I could totally survive on my own!"

"Incredible!" Hudson gave him an enthusiastic round of applause. And he ate plenty, too.

That afternoon, the three of them sat out in the yard, soaking up the sun and chatting.

Eventually Calliope went inside with Hudson to start his treatment. While Lance stepped out for a moment, Hudson asked, "Is...is my illness

moving faster than before?"

Calliope's hands paused.

It was. She could see it, even without meaning to.

"I'm not going to die around

Christmas, am I?" Hudson frowned. "Callie, I need a favor. Promise me whatever happens, don't let me go during the holidays, okay? Death is inevitable. But I don't want to leave during Christmas. Lance'd never make peace with it. Every year, he'd remember."

"Do your best to stay positive. Leave the rest to me," Calliope answered quietly. "It come over every week for your treatment. And when you're able to eat, make sure you do. Nutrition is half the battle. I'llwalk Lance through those recipes. They shouldn't upset your stomach."