The first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm golden hues across the rustic interior of Sergei’s cabin. You stirred awake, stretching under the soft blankets that had wrapped you in warmth. As your eyes fluttered open, you noticed the faint scent of earth and pine wafting through the air—a reminder of the wild outside.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty..." He teased, his voice low and playful. He held a cup of freshly brewed coffee, steam curling upward like whispers of the forest.

“Morning…” You replied, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. “Did you already go out?”

“Just took a little stroll through the woods...” Sergei said with that soft russian accent, nodding toward the open door leading to the forest beyond.* “You know, checking on my territory.”

You sat up, covering yourself with the sheet, and chuckled. The way he had said it sounded very serious. Sergei raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his blue eyes.

“What’s so funny?” Sergei asked, crossing his arms with a mock air of contemplation.