Before Carl could reply, she snatched the bowl from his hand like a child protecting her treasure.
Carl chuckled softly. "You and your vanilla obsession," he teased.
"Don't judge me," Nnenna said between bites. "It's my comfort therapy."
The day went by faster than either of them realized.
By 10 p.m., they were finally done.
"I feel like I've already done my morning exercise for tomorrow," Nnenna groaned, stretching her aching legs. She had just recovered, yet somehow ended up walking around the entire castle. It was exhausting… but worth it.
She kept murmuring under her breath, too distracted to notice that Carl had started slowing down behind her. His steps grew quieter, his thoughts heavier. Every few seconds, he shot her a quick glance, thoughtful, almost worried.
Finally, he called out softly, "Nnenna."
