“Apologies for straying off topic, “she says adverting the awkward look Jaeil gave her looking at the patch in her hand, “The folded up cloths my mother referred to them as patches they are hand woven then dipped in aloe vera a healing solution similar to the one I just applied it helps soothes the skin while reducing scaring.”

“How do I apply it?”

“I can apply it for you if you would allow.” Jaeil nodded her head in agreement. Placing the patch over her wound she grabs the leather strap and places one end through one of the loopholes pulling it through. Takin the end she paused as she had to wrap it around her neck when she didn’t refuse she continued wrapping it around her neck then securing it to another loophole on the opposite side of the patch. It was the second time since meeting her she had been that close to her, she didn’t understand why but her heart began to beat rapidly against her chest however this time it was not due to fear. With the strap secured tightly around her keeping the patch in place she stepped away from her. Looking at her handy work Jaeil was impressed. When she made no further comment Alice assumed she was satisfied and began to clean up. Cleaning up the bloody cloths, gathering the thread and needle she sterilized it by placing it in a cup of wine, with another cloth she wiped the spilled droplets of blood from the floor. Jaeil stood and watched in awe. When she was done she looked towards her and when she failed to speak she turned to exit the dining room.

“Alice?”

“Yes, “she says turning around, “Apologies is it too tight? I can——-.”

“Gratitude, “she says cutting her off.

“My pleasure, “she says slightly smiling at her before exiting into the living room where Ate awaited her. Resting her head on her warm back Ate snuggled her body as close to her as she possibly could. The warmth of her body caused her to fall asleep immediately. The following morning when Jaeil emerged from her room she noticed both Ate and Alice were gone. She wasn’t in the least concerned since Ate would provide her with protection. Before stepping out from her doorway completely something on the floor caught her attention. Careful not to pull out her stitches she gently bends down to pick up the small wooden box. Opening it, immediately the fresh scent of aloe vera filled her nose as it contained three patches inside. She didn’t understand why she made extra patches until she gazed down at her wound as the patch she applied the night before was soaked through with blood and needed to be changed. With the box still in her hands she walks into the dining area to replace the patch.