Chapter 4: Burnt Toast and Real Food
By midday, the sprawling kitchen at the back of the mansion felt like a sanctuary away from the formal echoes of the living room. I had ransacked the massive stainless-steel refrigerator only to find rows of nutrient shakes, clear broths, and clinical supplements. None of it looked like food, let alone a real meal.
"What is this?" I asked, holding up a foil-sealed carton of vanilla-flavored medical sludge as Julian rolled himself into the kitchen threshold.
"Fuel," Julian said, eyeing the carton with visible distaste. "Prescribed by a dietician who hasn't tasted a carbohydrate since the nineties."
"Well, the dietician isn't here, and you need actual calories if you're going to survive my mornings," I said, tossing the carton into the recycling bin.
I scavenged the pantry until I found a carton of eggs, some crusty sourdough bread tucked away in a tin, and a block of sharp cheddar cheese. Within minutes, the stove hissed to life. The smell of melting butter and garlic filled the cavernous kitchen, cutting through the sterile antiseptic odor that usually clung to the walls.
As I flipped the bread in the skillet, I caught Julian watching me from the island. He looked less like a corporate titan and more like a man who had forgotten what home felt like.
"I'm not much of a cook," I admitted, turning around to face him. "If the eggs are rubbery, keep it to yourself."
"Considering the alternative is chalk-flavored protein extract, I think my standards are remarkably low," he replied dryly.
I slid the food onto a ceramic plate and set it down in front of him on the low counter extension. Julian picked up a fork, cutting a small piece of the egg and toast. He chewed slowly, his eyes closing for a brief moment as the flavors registered.
"Well?" I asked, leaning against the counter with my arms crossed.
Julian opened his eyes, looking down at the plate before meeting my gaze. "It's salty."
May you like
"That's called seasoning," I said, unable to hide my grin. "You should try it sometime."
He took another bite, a faint trace of color finally returning to his pale cheeks. "It'll do, Vance. It'll definitely do."
