Cindy followed behind him silently. She stared at him with hope. She stared without blinking; afraid he’d be gone when she does. After walking for a few minutes, she did consider the situation. Why would he help her? Is he going to expect something in return? Would he…? She stopped her trail of thoughts, shook her head and caught up with him. Maybe now that she has a place to stay, it’ll be easier to find jobs for her. She mentally took stock of her clothes. Maybe she can wash her laundry tonight, at his place. Then, tomorrow… She stopped when he did, waiting for the street light. Tomorrow, she’ll be better suited to apply here and there. There are numerous places she hasn’t gone to yet.

They reached his place within five minutes. As he said, it’s small. He did say he only uses it as a place to sleep. There’s a bed on one corner, a couch on another, a dining table near a sink, a mini kitchen and the bathroom. She’s glad to see the bathroom. She might have exhaled in relief at seeing it, Elian glanced at her.

“You can take the couch. Put your things anywhere. That drawer over there is empty.” He pointed to a shelf near the couch. The place is neat. There’s not much. No television. No computer. She did see a small fridge, an electric stove, a microwave, and mostly kitchen stuff.

“Can I do my laundry?” She bravely asked.

“Sure. There’s a line outside, that’s the back.” He pointed to a sliding door across the entrance. Cindy timidly brought her bags to the couch, checked the outside of the sliding door and caught her breath. The yard was beautiful. It seemed someone tended to the plants and flowers.

Elian noticed her reaction, mesmerized at the garden outside.

“The landlady is retired. She’s next door. She likes to garden.” He explained as he walked over to his closet, pulled his shirt off, and rummaged for a clean shirt.

Cindy caught her breath again when she turned to look at him. She averted her gaze immediately. He’s just changing his clothes, she told herself. Don’t think anything else.

“What’s your plan?” Elian asked as he changed. As he turned, he realized he should’ve changed in the bathroom. He looked at the shorts he’s holding. Bathroom, it is. He cleared his throat. Should he apologize?

“I’ll see if I can get a job tomorrow.” Cindy didn’t elaborate. She does not know him well. Maybe he’s not the type to listen to too much information. She knew most men do not like talkative women. Her mom’s boyfriend always wears an annoyed look when her mom nags. Her mother’s friends usually talk about their men being that way, too.

“Have you worked before?” He sat on his bed, watching her.

“Yes. I’ve been working since last year. Just odd jobs.”

They stared at each other.

“Why don’t you take a seat?”

She’s just standing there near the door. She immediately sat on the sofa when he asked her, looking at the floor. Well, at least she’s not completely hopeless if she knows how to work.

“I’m Elian. What’s your name?”

“Cindy. Cindy Carter.” She looked up to watch him. His voice is gentle, and he sounded genuinely concerned. No hint of mocking. He’s not belittling her.

After a minute of silence, Elian opened the drawer on his bedside. He looked for his spare key. He walked over when he got it.

“Here. I’m usually out. If you’re going out tomorrow, you can use this when you come back.”

Cindy was surprised to receive the key. He’s really allowing her to stay at his place? She looked around again. It was a nice place, despite being small. She would love a place like this.

“Thank you.” She felt her gratitude is lacking, though. But she couldn’t promise anything. Maybe tomorrow, when things get a little better, she can promise to contribute something. She looked around again. Maybe she can buy groceries, prepare their food, and some other necessities. She doubts she can afford rent. Maybe if she’s able to get several jobs, she can share some money for rent. She waited for him to mention it, but he got inside the bathroom already. She didn’t even notice when he moved. She heard the shower and she felt relaxed. She wanted a shower, too. She opened her bag to sort her clothes. She opened the drawer he mentioned and stacked her belongings in there. She felt like crying. This was too good after her days on the streets. She wiped her tears and suppressed her emotions. She’s not going to cry. She’s not going to act pitiful in front of a stranger. She didn’t need to burden him.

When he came out, he noticed her on the corner. He looked around his little kitchen. Is she still hungry? He considered the fact that she’d been homeless for a week. She would’ve scrimped, even on food. He recalled the way she ate the sandwich earlier.

He moved towards the fridge. He doesn’t remember what he stocked the kitchen with. Eggs. Some pieces of vegetables. Cans of beer. Pitchers of water. He pulled open the overhead cabinets. There were a few packages of instant noodles and coffee. Some biscuits. He pulled out two pans to fry eggs and cook the noodles.

Cindy watched in silence. Should she offer to cook? She was hesitant to speak up. Maybe he likes to do things on his own. But what if he expects her to do the chores?

“Should I cook?” She moved closer and saw him preparing the eggs and noodles. He spared her a glance.

“Why don’t you clean up first? Don’t you want a shower?” He asked before turning back to what he’s doing. He started frying the eggs.

“Are you sure?” Cindy tried again. She’s already encroaching on his space; she should at least do something for him.

“Quite sure. Go on, then. We’ll eat when you’re done.”

Her eyes widened at his words. They’re going to eat? She looked at the food he’s making. She could feel her stomach grumble. She’s still hungry. Cindy moved quickly. He would be done in minutes and she didn’t want him to wait. She took her clothes and went to the bathroom. She almost cried under the shower. It felt so good to her.

When she came out, he has already set the table.

“Have a seat.”

“Thank you.” Cindy resolved to do the dishes afterwards.

“I don’t normally stock on food.” Elian stated. She didn’t know how to respond to that, so she remained silent.

He pushed the bowls and plates in her direction, which she took to mean she should take some. The warm soup of the noodles warmed her body. It tasted great to her. She had more appreciation for things and food. Not that she didn’t have before.

“I used to live on streets before. It’s hard, isn’t it?” He asked as he watched her eat. Cindy glanced at him as she ate, her eyes are asking, “You did?” She couldn’t voice it out, though. She tried to chew on the noodles quickly. Elian chuckled. He looked charming.

“Eat slowly.” He pushed a glass of water near her, too.

“About two years. Sometimes I’m able to sleep at shelters, though.” He continued and Cindy listened attentively. It must be his reason for helping her. He knows what it’s like.

“How old were you?” Cindy managed to ask.

“Seventeen. I’m twenty-two now.”

“I’m sixteen.” Cindy replied. His expression turned grim as he looked at her. Does he have a problem with her age? Cindy wondered.

Elian didn’t think she’d be that young. Well, he was seventeen when it happened to him, but still…

He thought it won’t be kind to ask her about the details. It doesn’t matter to him anyway. She did mention earlier that her mom chased her out. That must’ve been hard on her and it must’ve hurt.

They ate in silence. Cindy did ready herself. After about a minute when he finished eating, she stood up to do the dishes. Elian watched her with wonder.

“You’ve got initiative.” He commented.

“It’s the least I could do.” She replied as she cleaned up.

He exhaled before getting up.

“I’ll rest first, then. Feel at home. I don’t have a washer, but I’ve got basins under the sink, if you’ll do your laundry.”

“Thank you. I appreciate everything.” Cindy turned to him as she expressed her gratitude. He nodded in her direction before walking over to his bed.