Page 111 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
“What’s wrong?” I ask Melanie, the innkeeper’s daughter.
“Mount Pátu. We think it’s going to erupt.”
Oh, shit. “Is the village in danger?”
“We’re probably far enough away that we don’t need to worry about lava, but the ash will definitely hit us. So we’re all preparing as much as we can.”
“I’ll come back and help.” After I see my father. And Kalle.
Walking faster, I make it to my father’s cabin, where he greets me at the door. I embrace him, then pause, taking in his labored breathing. His eyes are glassy, and his complexion is sallow. His clothes hang off him. “Dad, you don’t look so good.”
Dad coughs. “I’m a bit under the weather.”
“This seems like more than a bit. Have you been to the doctor?”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m just glad to see you.”
I cluck my tongue. “Let’s get you to bed. I’ll make you some soup. And tea.”
He waves a hand but doesn’t argue. I tuck him into bed—which looks like he’s been spending most of his time there—and go to the stove to make him some soup. I feel like I need to chatter and let him know how I’ve been doing. Something to distract him.
“The villagers are all preparing for the eruption,” I say.
“Is that going to happen?”
“I suppose it’s not certain, but I’ll make sure things are battened down outside, just in case. I didn’t stop long in the village to get all the details, but I think the tremors are pretty noticeable, don’t you?”
I bustle about his small kitchen and decide it would be better to talk about something other than natural disasters or his health. “So, I’ve been working at Café Magnifique, at the Renversé Hotel,” I say. “They’re really nice about scheduling my shifts around my classes.”
“Oh?”
“It’s pretty cool. I like being a barista. I know I’m going to school to be an artist or whatever, but I enjoy making food and drinks for people.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” I bring him a cup of tea, which he sips.
“How long have you been ill?” I ask. So much for not focusing on his health. “Have you been able to work?”
He shakes his head. “The royal family have been making sure I’m cared for and have plenty to eat. But I have not been to the castle for a few weeks now.”
A fewweeks? “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Of course I would’ve worried. I would’ve come back to see if I could help.”
“No,” he says. “I want you to get your education. Finish college.”
“I will. Just one more year. I’m studying abroad in Japan for one of the semesters. I’m really excited about that. But I can go to school and also be concerned about you.”
I want to tell him about Kalle. About my feelings that have only increased since we’ve been writing to each other.
“I’m sure you want to go see your friends here,” Dad says, making me wonder if he’s reading my mind. He’s always been pretty perceptive. “Don’t spend all your time fussing over me.”
I set his soup on the bedside table, along with a spoon. “If you’ll try to eat something and rest, I’ll go see what I can do to protect the cabin and garden.”
Outside, I fasten the shutters and do my best to cover anything that would be sensitive to ash.
Popping back in, I can see that my dad has eaten a few spoonfuls of soup, which is good. I consider offering to reheat it for him, but I know he’d refuse. “Are you going to be okay if I go out for a bit?”
