Page 11 of Kian

“Would you mind going out and getting some logs for the fire?” she requested. “They’re stacked on the porch. I’m sure your boots are dry. There’s a bag to carry them in beside the fireplace. Just don’t use your bad arm.”

“Sure,” he agreed, picking up his boots and settling onto the sofa to put them on.

“Just bring in a few,” she instructed. “I like to keep the fire going in case the power goes out.”

“Alright,” he nodded. Then stood, picked up the bag, and headed toward the door. As he stepped outside, the freezing cold air hit him like a slap in the face, causing him to mutter curses under his breath.

As he gathered a few logs and put them into the bag, he turned to head back inside, but paused to listen. The only sound was the soft thud of snowflakes gently falling to the ground. For a moment, he wondered how he had ended up close to this secluded cabin and if those men were still after him.

Shaking off his thoughts, he re-entered the warmth of the cabin and made his way to the living room. He set the bag on the floor, then placed the logs into the bin before removing his boots and adding a couple of logs to the crackling fire.

“Come eat,” Gretchen called from the kitchen. He eagerly obeyed, sitting down at the table and gazing at the stack ofgolden-brown pancakes before him. With a generous helping of butter and syrup, he took a bite and couldn’t help but let out a satisfied groan.

“I’d say I definitely like pancakes.” He chuckled.

Gretchen laughed along with him; her eyes shining as she looked at him. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty, but quickly diverted his gaze to avoid making her uncomfortable.

For now, all that mattered was enjoying this simple breakfast in this cabin, far away from whatever dangers may be lurking outside.

Later, after breakfast and helping Gretchen clean up, he sat on the sofa watching TV as she sat in the recliner. As he flipped through the channels, he stopped on the news. Maybe something would trigger his memory.

As he sat there watching, nothing popped out at him. He frowned as he tried to think about who he was. With a frown, he leaned his head back, closed his eyes and dozed off.

He jerked awake, sat up, then stood. “Kian,” he said and swayed when he got lightheaded and quickly sat down.

“What?” Gretchen asked him.

“My name. It’s Kian.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, but that’s all I remember. I don’t know my last name or anything else.”

“Kian. That’s different, but I’m glad you remembered that much, at least.”

“Kian who, though? What do I do? Where am I from?”

“Give it a little time. It looks like it will come back to you. You can’t force it.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m just frustrated.”

“I’m sure. Just relax. I’ll make dinner soon.”

“Dinner? We just had breakfast.”

Gretchen smiled. “Hours ago. You fell asleep.”

“Well, now that you mention it, I am hungry.” He grinned.

“I’ll heat up some stew.”

“Alright. Do you mind if I take a shower?”

“If you think you’re strong enough to stand.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. Let me take the sling off, first.”

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