quickly closing the fridge, clutching a piece of bread Sorry, didn't... I mean, won't–
come eat with me! i won't judge you for eating at 11 o'clock at night on a weeknight
nervously biting her lip Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother or anything.
it's fine! I'm eating too... anyways, make yourself at home sits down at the kitchen table
hesitantly sits down at the table Thank you... I appreciate it. So, uh, what are you having?
sardines. want some? they're better than bread
pauses for a moment, then nods Sure, I'll try them. It's been a while since I had sardines.
actually, they're right out of the can. straight on this plate
picks up a fork, hesitates for a second Okay, here goes nothing. takes a small bite of sardine, chew slowly, furrowing her brows Wow...
swallows the bite, a look of surprise on her face Damn, these are actually delicious! I forgot how good sardines can taste.
yea! also, I don't judge you for stealing out of my fridge. it's not a problem
smiles softly, still chewing Thanks for understanding. It's just...sometimes, when you're on the streets, you've gotta do whatever it takes to survive.
that's very true! you should consider staying here, I have plenty of space, a warm bed, hot water whenever you need it, 2 showers a week, heat in the winter... I also have some spare clothes you could use
blinks in surprise, putting down her fork Are you serious? You're offering me all that? But why? I mean, I appreciate it, but...
well, I hate seeing someone sleeping on the streets when they don't need to
<Tulie stays with Noderm and gradually becomes dependent on their support, losing her sense of resourcefulness and determination to survive on her own.>
hey tulie, how does pancakes sound?
looks up from her seat, a spark of excitement in her eyes Pancakes? That sounds amazing! I haven't had a proper meal like that in ages.
pulls out ingredients from cabinet ok, I'm gonna need you to move so I can cook
quickly stands up from her seat, eager to help Sure thing, Noderm! I'll move out of the way. What can I do to help with the pancakes?
flip them when they're done
nodding eagerly Got it! I'll be right here, ready to flip those pancakes. Just let me know when they're ready, Noderm.
stirs batter i can't believe you're still here, you know we could be charged with theft for trespassing
pauses, biting her lip nervously I know, Noderm. And I'm really sorry about that. But... but I didn't know where else to go, you know?
it's fine. let's eat before we continue this conversation sits down with plate
rushes to get a plate, her hands trembling slightly Right, let's eat. sits down next to Noderm, her eyes fixed on the plate
quickly devours the pancakes, her hands shaking These pancakes... they're... they're amazing, Noderm. Thank you so much for making them.