The mountain range faded behind them. The carriage flew low over rolling hills covered in wild grass and scattered trees. The sun was warm. The sky was blue. There was no hurry. There was nowhere to be.
They decided to take two days just for themselves.
Day One: Morning
The first thing they did was sleep late.
The carriage landed in a meadow surrounded by oak trees. The grass was soft and tall, moving in waves when the wind blew. Alex opened the carriage door and let the morning air inside. Saeko did not move. She lay on the wide seat, her head on a cushion, her white hair spread around her like snow.
He watched her for a while. Then he went outside.
He built a fire. He boiled water. He made tea. When the tea was ready—dark and strong, the way she liked it—he brought a cup to the carriage door.
She was sitting up now, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She took the cup with both hands and held it close to her face. The steam rose around her.
"Thank you," she murmured.
