#threads {raylen}

With his head facing away, Ella couldn’t be sure of the emotions crossing through him, but from the quiver in his voice, and a strange feeling that grew inside of her, she could very well suspect the pain. The past few years of her life had been a nightmare; losing both her parents and her identity as Madam tried to strip away her pride. The memories of her childhood, the lessons her parents taught her, the courage they had imbued in her made her stronger than whatever insult or humiliating activity Madam could design.

The happiness of a sun-filled childhood had given the strength to withstand it all. Poor Raylen, she thought again, the lament growing stronger in her chest the more he shared with her. Being away from your family, even if you get to see the seas, it seems a cruel activity. ❝ I’m here, aren’t I? I can help you. ❞ The fact the job wasn’t hers yet didn’t seem to matter at this point; she longed to help this family, to help him. It was so easy to imagine a future here; lessons in the morning, activities in the afternoon with the girls, roping in Raylen. ❝ You want them to learn. Language, history, geography, I don’t think there is a subject in the world you didn’t mention, ❞ she teased lightly, ❝ so you must believe that if we apply ourselves, there is nothing we cannot do. You can learn how to let go and be. And you can also learn how to put your foot down and give them boundaries and respect… I have known girls who have never learned discipline, who never cared for their lessons, and I’m in no way suggesting that path for Gioria and Bianca. What we want, is a happy middle, where they are spoiled with love and knowledge. ❞

When she finishes, she squeezed his hands, gentle eyes trained on his face. How glad she is, despite the impropriety, that their hands are interlocked, because if not, she could have done something silly, like wiping away the tear she thought she saw on the corner of his eye.

❝ You give them attention. Let me clue you in on a secret about little girls — all they want is attention, sweets and to see a fairy. I think the third one might be hard, even for you, but the first two? You can do it. You are alive, you are here, and I think you are one of the most wonderful men I have ever met. ❞

As her words sank in, Raylen slowly lifted his head and turned to look at her. Even the silent tears that dropped to his cheeks couldn't stop the amazed look on his face as he took her in.

This girl, like an angel from a dream... How could she be so young, but so very wise? How could she have such a view of the world? Such faith in others? Raylen had never known anything like it.

Swallowing thickly, he nodded slowly. In that very moment, he knew that the job was hers. Just from that little conversation, her knew that she was the type of woman he wanted his sisters to become; gracious, wise, cheerful, empathetic... And if Giorgia and Bianca could be half the person Ella was, he could consider his job well done.

And she thought him wonderful! What, then, did that make her? He couldn't even think of a word, in any language, that wouldn't fall short or do her an injustice.

Rubbing his eyes and taking a long swig of his coffee, Raylen hitched his bag higher up on his shoulder and fished the keys out of the pocket. Opening and closing were always the most peaceful time of day at the restaurant. Things were quiet and no one was rushing or stressed. But still, it was a career he found himself surprisingly happy with. And being back in the kitchen, he remembered why he loved cooking so much when he was younger.

But as he arrived at the building, he stopped for a moment, brow furrowing. It looked like there was a person sitting on the bench where the local bus stop was. He checked his watch and his frown deepened.

"Buon giorno." He called as he approached. Getting closer, he could see that the figure was that of a young woman. Immediately, Raylen stopped, keeping some distance so as not to frighten her.

"Uh, if you're waiting for a bus, it'll be a long day I'm afraid. They're all down for service at the moment."

Still... It was a chilly morning. And he didn't want to leave her out here alone. It might come off as iffy, but she'd be safer inside the restaurant than out here alone.