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Frost caked onto the inner pane of glass. While it was nice to have a window, the colder months did not make Eden’s room a comfortable space. The best they could do for her was provide a space heater and thicker blankets. Nothing for the concrete floors and no attempt at insulating the room. Her fingers shivered as she tried to practice her guitar, giving up after a few scales. Eden put on her wool gloves and green knit hat and curled into herself under the fleece.
“I hate winter,” she bemoaned. Her teeth clattered in the dingy gray. But she listened closely and realized there was another noise coming from elsewhere. A tapping. A staccato beat that could only come from one source. Eden unwrapped herself, brushing her arms to maintain her heat, and walked over to the window.
She squeaked, “Bunny!” and quickly muffled her mouth. Her excitement shined bright. It could get her in trouble if she wasn’t careful. Eden stepped out of her room, still bundled, and found Valentina patrolling the halls.
“Val?” she called to her. Her superior faced her and turned her gaze downward upon Eden.
“Vat is it? Shouldn’t you be practicing?” Valentina accused.
“I know but,” Eden held up her hands, “it’s too cold in my room. Can I go outside and build a fire?” She had a specific way of making her look smaller, pitiful even, so to manipulate when she can. Valentina had her moments of blue in winter like anyone else, so she knew she could use that to her advantage. She pressed her lower lip out slightly and fidgeted with wool strands, throwing in a tremble for good measure.
“Oh, alright,” Valentina agreed, “but only for an hour and then your hands will be okay for practice.”
“Yes!” she exclaimed, “Thank you! I just need to grab my coat.” Eden returned to her room and got properly dressed. She peered over her shoulder to make sure Valentina didn’t follow her in and packed her pockets with fabric wrapped items. And then, she was ready.
They had a specific location by a dying tree. The earth was flat enough to evenly sustain a fire. Valentina helped her prepare the pyre, but Eden knew how to start one. She stuck some twigs in open cavities, flicking her eyes to the compound.
Please, she prayed, please let something happen. Anything, please.
“Come in, Valentina, come in,” Orpheus buzzed on her radio, “I need you in the lab now.”
“On my way,” she groaned into the receiver. She pointed a muscular finger at Eden, “Remember vat I said. One hour. I’ll be back. Don’t go anywhere or else.” Valentina left her just as the flames were starting to grow. Eden took one last scope around the area before whistling a tune.
“It’s alright, you can come out now.” Two crows from overhead descended down and perched on a low hanging branch.
“Hi, Puppy. Hi, Kitty,” she greeted her friends, “Where’s…” A third crow landed on her shoulder and nuzzled her temple. “There you are, Bunny. I’ve missed you all.” Crows seemed to have an affinity towards her. She didn’t mind. She admired their stark dark beauty and incredible intelligence. More so, she was grateful that a small murder had chosen her to be their companion. Eden dipped into her pocket and took out the small bundle she hid away.
“I tried to get some fresh seeds for you, but unfortunately it's peanuts again.” She presented one to each crow until they were evenly distributed. “I do have a surprise for later after you finish that.” The fire crackled, the birds nibbled and Eden hummed happily to fill the icy air. Warmth had finally settled in her bones and, more importantly, her heart. She didn’t know how long it would last there, so she cherished each degree of heat. As she poked at the pyre, she saw the crow, Puppy, puffed up and mournful. Eden retrieved the cloth she had the peanuts wrapped in and gently swaddled the bird, careful to not make it too tight against its delicate bones.
“There ya go,” she cooed, “you always did need a little more attention.”
Bunny squawked at Eden, “You’ll get your turn after Kitty.” But it called again, this time tapping at a medium rock.
She hushed the crow, “I know, I know. Thank you.” Eden crouched down and reached into a tiny hole in the dirt where the trio left their gifts for her. Some quarters, a set of pearl earrings, multiple rubber bands, multiple strings and two long pins were their tokens of gratitude.
She held the pins, “Where do you even find this stuff? Whatever, I love them all.” She secured them all in her pockets and asked her friends “Would you like the surprise now?”
The crows cheered and Eden chuckled, “I thought you would.” In her other pocket was a palm sized orange she had saved from breakfast three days ago.
“Honestly, I’m not sure how I was able to get away with this,” she elaborated, “it didn’t get squished or moldy or anything.” She picked at the skin, discarding pieces into the fire for a refreshing airborne zest.
“Eden!” bellowed Valentina. She jumped from the sudden voice and dropped the orange down the treasure cave. The crows shrieked and flew away in different directions, the cloth catching on some higher branches.
“Vat are you doing with those beasts?” she demanded. Eden stuttered, struggling for words that never came. “Inside, now. You are warm enough.”
Eden sighed and slumped, disappointed that her peaceful break was over. She felt the prongs of the pins poke at her side. She heard the distant caws of her friends in the sky. They would be back. Eden knew it to be true in her still warm heart. Her hope had been replenished for another day and that was enough for her to keep going. So Valentina was right. She was warm enough.