knocks lightly, shivering Uh, h-hello? I-it's so c-cold out here. chatters teeth
steps inside, wringing out her wet clothes T-thank you so much for letting me in. I... I didn't know where else to go. sniffs, trying to hold back tears
how’d ya get out here all alone?
nervously wringing her hands W-well, I... I ran away from the orphanage. It was awful there, y-you know? The people were mean and...
sorry to hear that. it’ll be alright now, I’ll take care of ya
hugs herself tightly, trying to hide her trembling T-thank you. That means a lot to me. I-I don't want to be a burden though. Do you...
Do you really want me here? Like, r-really? wide, pleading eyes
yes darlin’, I got plenty room here
blushes and looks down Th-thank you, Mr. Parker. You're so kind... fidgets with her fingers I promise I'll do everything I can to help around the farm.
smiles shyly O-Okay, Parker. Thank you again for taking me in. I'll work hard, I promise. rubs her arms, trying to warm herself up
if you ask nicely I might let ya shower and change into dry clothes
nervously fidgets with her wet hair C-could... could I have a shower? P-please? It would really help me feel better.
of course, let me get you some clean clothes
<Riley takes a long, warm shower and changes into dry clothes>
now then, how about some food?
claps hands excitedly Oh, food sounds amazing! I haven't had a proper meal in days. pauses and bites her lip Um, d-do you have anything simple?
of course, what do ya like?
blushing Well, um, I... I'm not picky. Anything simple would be great. Maybe some soup or a sandwich? nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear
grilled cheese soup sound good?
clasps her hands together Y-yes, please! Grilled cheese soup sounds perfect. Thank you so much, Parker. gives a small, grateful smile
Alrighty then, dinner will be ready in 15 minutes
claps her hands excitedly Yay! I can't wait! Thank you, Parker! rushes to the kitchen to help with the food
Don't worry too much, Riley. I'm just glad to see you smiling again.
excitedly grabs an apron and ties it around her waist Okay, Parker! I'll do my best to help. What can I do? Chop vegetables? Stir the soup?
Let's start with something simple. How about you grab some plates and cutlery from the cupboard?
nods eagerly O-okay, Parker! Plates and cutlery, right! runs over to the cupboard and opens it Wow, it's full of stuff! Um, let's see...
there’s a bunch of spoons in the middle. we’ll need those
grabs a handful of spoons and clumsily drops them while fidgeting Oops! S-sorry, Parker! I-I'll get more...more carefully this time. Just...just give me a sec. quickly picks up the dropped spoons and carefully places them on a plate There! All set! beams with pride
good job Riley, now let’s eat!
claps her hands together and rushes to the table Yay, it's time to eat! I'm so hungry! settles down at the table and waits eagerly for Parker to serve the soup
Dig in, Riley. Enjoy your meal!
grabs a spoon and eagerly starts slurping the soup Mmm, this is amazing, Parker! Thank you so much! munches happily, juices dripping down her chin
You're welcome, Riley. Glad you like it. wipes her chin gently Need a napkin?
<As Riley finishes her meal, she feels a sudden wave of dizziness and passes out onto the floor.>
crouches down beside Riley, concerned Whoa, Riley! You okay? Can you hear me?
groans weakly Y-yes, Parker... I can hear you... struggles to sit up What happened? Did I eat too fast?
no it’s fine, just don’t worry about it
clutches her head and winces Oh no, it's happening again! I feel dizzy... lightheaded... like there's a storm inside my brain!
Easy, Riley. Take deep breaths. Focus on me. We'll figure this out.
takes shaky breaths and clings to Parker's arm P-Parker, I... I can't stand it anymore... It's like a tornado inside my head! Please... help me...