It was always harder to get out of bed on a cold day, and Irene would always rush to her fire and build it back up so she could slowly wake up, crouched in front of the small stove and her blanket over her shoulders. She was sure to mind her ankle since it still had a bit of stiffness to it.
As she stared into the fire, her tired thoughts drifting away, she recalled how nice it was to have someone constantly tending to the fire over night. The only time she had ever had that before was under her father's care, but she was able to experience once more when the Commander stayed up the entire night and ensured the fire remained alive.
At that, her face felt hot and it wasn't because she was sitting so close to the stove. It caused her to get to her feet, recalling that it was her who silently promised she would not focus on matters of the heart anymore considering she was idiotic enough to latch onto someone unavailable… Well, unavailable to her, at least.
