After dropping Ethan at his place, Noah visited his dad at the hospital before the visiting time ended.
Back in his apartment, Noah looked around his modest kitchen after rolling his sleeves up.
I gotta cook for myself. The good days of Alissa cooking for me are finished now.
The memory hit harder than expected. Alissa's gentle hands preparing meals, Kip's eager chatter, even Grix's cleaning.
Noah pulled ingredients from his well-stocked refrigerator, actual food, not just ramen and energy drinks.
His level 2 cooking skill had improved the way he prepared food, he was much better than before.
At least I can feed myself properly now.
The sizzle of meat hitting hot oil filled the silence. Steam carried the aroma of garlic and thyme through his small space, making it feel more like home than it had in months.
His phone buzzed.
A text from Ethan: "Thank you again. You changed my life today."
He had exchanged numbers with his younger cousin, Ethan.
