Darkness: E. 6

Read E. 5

Ben got comfy on the leather sofa in front of the large wall-mounted TV. He picked up his Xbox joystick from the tiled floor and grinned slowly at the thought of getting lost in the game world. Without taking his eyes off the screen, he pushed a throw pillow behind him on the sofa and watched as the game loaded. He was staring at the screen with so much intensity that he didn’t hear a door squeal open.

“Ben?”

The immersive display and sound of heavy gunfire bouncing off the walls of the living room from the high quality home theatre speakers had Ben's undivided attention and blurred the voice calling out from behind him. 

His love for the game had been reignited by the lock down and it was gradually becoming his best companion. The thrill and rush of adrenaline it triggered in him always left him coming back for more.

“Ben!”

A hand brushed against his shoulder and Ben jumped off the sofa, spun around with the same speed and paused. His wide eyes grew wider with surprise as his face came alive with joy. Dropping the joystick, he hastily moved behind the sofa and drew the visibly tired Mercy into his arms. He murmured endearments into her hair.

“Do you like it?”

Ben asked casually. They were at the dining table for an early dinner. After she had distracted Ben from his game, they had spent all day together seeing movies, taking selfies, playing games and savouring each other like their existence depended on it. Ben had been gentle, loving and totally different.  

Mercy blinked as she met his steady gaze. She could read the uncertainty and compassion in his eyes.

“You know I love your cooking.” She assured him.

The chicken vegetable sauce and white rice, her favorite, was perfect as always. Ben could shame the best chef with his culinary skills while she, on the other hand, would rather stay far away from the kitchen. Nothing she made ever turned out right. An unpleasant memory of how she nearly burned down her house slipped through her mind and she grimaced.

“Baby, are you okay?”

He had stopped eating and was staring at her with eyes burning with affection, concern and something else she could not understand. 

What was going on with Ben?

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