"I'm back!" Dana exclaimed, approaching the cave.
"Welcome back!" Estrella ran to hug Dana just outside the entrance.
As soon as Estrella let go, she saw Riccardo standing behind her and was confused.
"Oh, you're back, Dana! Just in time for dinner!" Dalai exclaimed from inside the cave.
"I brought a friend. Is there enough food for him too?"
"Of course!"
A moment later, Dalai ran out and saw Riccardo.
"Who is this!?"
Dana patted Riccardo on the shoulder, which took him by surprise.
"This is Riccardo! You can trust him: he saved my life today. And as a friendly gesture, to repay him, I promised him a meal."
Estrella and Dalai exchanged worried glances.
"Save your life!? What happened to you!?" Estrella asked in a panic.
"A long story... we'll talk about it later, while we eat!"
Riccardo approached Estrella and Dalai, who were carefully watching his every move. When he raised a hand, the two began to sweat nervously.
"Nice to meet you." Riccardo said, extending his hand to Dalai.
"Nice to meet you too! I'm Dalai!" Dalai instinctively shook his hand, then quickly pulled it away.
"Damn, he fooled me so easily!"
Riccardo looked at him, perplexed.
"Dana, I understand he saved your life, but that doesn't mean you can just bring him to our base!" Dalai said, looking at her with a hint of anger.
"What's wrong?" Dana replied in a feigned innocence.
"What's wrong? He might have friends we don't know about, or he might just be hurting us! I can think of many other reasons, but these two should be enough!"
"They're valid reasons, sure... but just as I trusted you, now you should trust him!"
The two continued arguing while Riccardo watched them, confused.
Luckily they had to like me...
Riccardo felt a tap on his right shoulder and turned to look at Estrella.
"Nice to meet you, Riccardo. I'm Estrella."
They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you."
At least she seems friendly...
Estrella glanced at Dalai and Dana, who were still arguing.
"Don't worry, I'm always like this."
"I understand..."
The two stared at each other for a few moments.
"Excuse me for a moment?" Estrella asked with a kind smile.
"Of course."
Estrella approached the two as Riccardo watched her. Once close enough, she kicked them both in the shins, making Riccardo's eyes widen in surprise.
An interesting way to handle things... — Riccardo thought wryly.
"Enough! I've already grown up caring for two little brothers, I don't need any more!"
"But we're older than you!" Dalai protested, rubbing his leg.
"Really? Because from the way you're acting, it doesn't look like it!"
Now all three of them were arguing, and after a while Riccardo stopped paying attention. Instead, he approached the fire, where the meat was cooking.
What a delicious smell...
Riccardo was checking the meat when Dalai suddenly approached him.
"What are you doing?"
"Making sure it doesn't burn."
Dalai stared at Riccardo, who didn't blink, but Dana pulled him back.
"I told you, we can trust each other!"
Dana met Dalai's gaze until, after a moment, he looked away and let out a frustrated sigh.
"Ugh... okay. But only for the meal!"
"Sure. As soon as I've eaten, I'll leave."
Riccardo handed Dalai a piece of meat, which he accepted before sitting down with the others to eat.
"Actually, I was thinking... maybe you could stay with us!"
Dana's words caused both Riccardo and Dalai to choke on their food.
"Are you kidding?" Dalai shouted angrily.
"I just think someone like Riccardo could be useful!"
Someone like Riccardo... — Riccardo thought with a puzzled smile, glancing again at Dana and Dalai, who were arguing, while Estrella scolded them.
Riccardo went back to eating.
This meat is really good!