While Erica was recovering from her fever, Sam decided to prepare something special for her - a soothing herbal tea. The air in the small house filled with the gentle scent of honey and ginger as he carefully mixed the ingredients, the steam rising like a warm embrace. It was simple, but he hoped it would bring her some comfort.

"Woah, woah, woah! What are you giving me?" Erica's voice cracked the quiet as she looked at him, wide-eyed, as he approached with the steaming cup.

Sam raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling on his lips. "It's herbal tea, princess. It's not poison or some potion."

She quirked an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Now what are you, a faith healer or an albularyo? Where did you find these ideas?"

Sam chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I grew up here, of course. Duh, princess." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. "And if I was an albularyo, I'd brew a potion to make you disappear."

Erica's laugh echoed through the room, the sound light and genuine, despite the lingering weakness she still felt. It feels nice to laugh like this again. "You're joking, right?"

"Just kidding!" he said with a grin, handing her the cup.

She took it, her fingers brushing his for a second as she accepted the tea. After a cautious sip, the warmth spread through her, a wave of comfort settling over her body. I didn't expect this to taste so good. "Hey, this actually tastes good!" she said, taking another sip, savoring the sweetness and the warmth that seemed to seep into her very bones.

As she continued to drink, she looked at Sam thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on him longer than she expected. I can't help but notice how much more comfortable I feel here... with him. "You know, I think I'm starting to love staying here in the rural."

Sam's heart skipped a beat at her words. It wasn't much, but it was enough to give him hope - hope that she was beginning to see the beauty of this place, the peace that he had always cherished. Maybe she's starting to appreciate it, just like I do.

Before he could say anything, Erica's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. She pulled it from the table, her face lighting up as she read the messages that appeared.

"It's my friends! They're worried about me," she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. She quickly typed a response, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Sam stepped back, respecting her space as she focused on the conversation. She's thinking about the city again. "Tell them I'm fine," Erica said into the phone, her tone brightening. "I miss you guys!"

Her friends' voices echoed through the line. "When are you coming back, Erica?"

"I don't know yet, but as soon as possible," she replied, glancing at Sam before continuing. "I miss city life too."

The words struck Sam harder than he expected. His smile faltered as a heavy feeling settled in his chest. Just like my mother... She'll be gone, lost in her city life again.

He pushed the thought away, but the sting lingered. He didn't want to admit it, but the fear of losing her, just like he'd lost his mother, tightened around his chest.

Erica noticed his change in expression and quickly sat up, lowering the phone. "Sam! Come here," she called out, her voice filled with urgency.

He hesitated, but then walked over, trying to shake off the unease that had gripped him. I can't let that happen. I can't lose her the way I lost my mother. "What's up?"

"I'm inviting you to the riverbank!" she exclaimed, her voice hopeful and bright. "Let's go for a walk."

The offer was a welcome distraction, and Sam nodded, eager to get out of the house for a while. Together, they walked down the path that led to the riverbank, the soft sound of flowing water joining the rustling of leaves in the breeze. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow on the landscape as they settled on the soft grass.

The peaceful quiet around them made it easy to talk, to connect in a way that didn't happen often in the busy world of the city. Sam watched her as she sat beside him, her face illuminated by the fading sunlight, her expression thoughtful.

I never imagined I'd get to know someone like her. "So, what do you like about staying here?" Sam asked, breaking the silence.

Erica took a deep breath, taking in the beauty of the scene before her. The tranquil beauty of the countryside was starting to grow on her, despite her earlier resistance. "I think it's the simplicity of it all. I mean, back in the city, everything is so fast-paced. Here, I can breathe." She looked at him, her eyes softening. "It's different, but in a good way."

Sam nodded, his gaze steady on her. "It's peaceful. You can actually hear the sounds of nature."

"Exactly!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm growing. "And the people... they're so different from city folks. There's a sense of community here."

Sam felt a flicker of hope. Maybe she really is starting to appreciate this place. Her words, filled with genuine warmth, struck something deep inside him.

Erica shifted, gazing at the river, her tone softening. "I've been so focused on what I've lost - my friends, my life in the city - that I forgot to notice what's around me. This place has its own kind of beauty."

"It does," Sam agreed quietly, his voice holding a subtle reverence. "You just have to look for it."

Erica met his gaze then, a shy smile forming on her lips. Does she see it too? "I guess I'm beginning to see the beauty in it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

A quiet understanding passed between them, the air thick with the unspoken bond that was slowly growing between them. Sam's chest tightened, but not with fear - this time it was a warmth that spread through him, slowly, steadily.

She's starting to see the same things I do. They sat in silence for a while, just watching the river and listening to the world around them. It felt natural, comfortable. Erica leaned back on her hands, her face glowing in the light of the setting sun.

"You know, I've spent so much time resenting being here," she said, her voice thoughtful. "But now... I think I could get used to this."

"You should," Sam said, his tone gentle. "There's a lot to discover. You could even help me with the farm."

She raised an eyebrow, amused. "You mean I'll get to learn how to dig in the dirt?"

"Absolutely," Sam replied, his tone serious but with a playful glint in his eyes. "And I'll teach you how to handle the chickens too."

Erica rolled her eyes, exaggerating her groan. "Chickens? That sounds so exciting."

"They have personalities! You'll love them," Sam teased, chuckling as she laughed.

She's laughing... and I'm actually enjoying this. This guy can be so ridiculous, Erica thought, but the thought of spending more time with him didn't feel so bad. She grinned to herself. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. But only if you promise to keep making that herbal tea."

"Deal," Sam said with a wide grin.

As they continued to talk, the light of the setting sun casting long shadows over the river, Erica realized how much she had come to enjoy Sam's company. There was something about the simplicity of the moment, the way everything felt quieter with him around. The weight of her old life seemed lighter, her thoughts clearer when she was with him.

Maybe this place isn't so bad after all. Maybe I'm not just getting used to the countryside. Maybe I'm starting to get used to Sam.

"Sam," she said, her voice soft but serious, "I'm glad you're here with me. It makes this whole experience so much better."

He looked at her then, his gaze steady and warm. For a moment, it felt like the world had fallen away. Maybe she's not just growing fond of the place. Maybe she's growing fond of me too.

"I'm glad too, Erica," Sam said, his voice low but sincere. "You bring something different to this place."

They sat there for a while longer, the sun dipping below the horizon, the river flowing gently beside them. The bond between them deepened in that simple moment, and both of them realized that this place - this unexpected rural life - was no longer just about the surroundings. It was about them.

As the evening settled in, Erica let out a long, contented sigh, her gaze fixed on the water. Maybe this rural life isn't so bad after all. And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to understand what Sam had found here all along, just about the surroundings. It was about them.

As the evening settled in, Erica let out a long, contented sigh, her gaze fixed on the water. Maybe this rural life isn't so bad after all. And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to understand what Sam had found here all along.

*****

As the day unfolded, Erica and Sam found themselves immersed in the rhythm of rural life, tending to the chickens and ducks in Aunt Nena's backyard. Laughter echoed as Sam playfully teased Erica about her clumsiness.

"Watch out for that one!" Sam exclaimed, pointing to a particularly feisty chicken that strutted toward Erica.

"What do you mean, watch out? It's just a chicken!" Erica laughed, trying to dodge the bird as it flapped its wings.

Sam chuckled, watching her struggle with the feathery creature. "Just wait until it pecks you! You'll be begging for mercy."

"Very funny, Sam!" Erica replied, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress her smile. "Maybe I'll just become a chicken whisperer instead."

Their banter continued as they worked together, Erica gradually loosening up and finding joy in the simple tasks. Sam showed her how to feed the ducks, and she soon discovered that the birds had distinct personalities - some were more aggressive, while others were more timid.

Just as they were getting the hang of it, Aunt Nena returned from a long day of work in the barangay. Her presence filled the yard with warmth and familiarity, and she caught Erica and Sam in the middle of a fit of laughter.

"Oh my! Look at those chickens! They've become so big!" Aunt Nena exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Let's make roasted chicken for lunch!"

Erica's laughter came to an abrupt halt. "Wait, what? No! Don't cook Chuckles!" she shouted, a hint of panic creeping into her voice. The chickens seemed to sense the conversation, clucking in protest as if they understood the fate that awaited them.

Aunt Nena looked at her with mock seriousness. "Who is Chuckles?"

"The fat one!" Sam chimed in, pointing at the plump chicken that seemed to waddle with confidence.

"You mean the one that keeps laughing at me?" Erica added, a playful pout on her face as she knelt down to get a better look at Chuckles. "Oh, Chuckles, I'm sorry. You're too cute to eat!" She held back tears of laughter, pretending to console the chicken.

But later, when the aroma of roasted chicken filled the kitchen, Erica felt her heart sink. She stood by the table, staring at the golden-brown chicken on the platter, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Oh no, Chuckles... she thought, feeling a pitiful lump in her throat.

"Oh, Chuckles, I'm sorry. You're too cute to eat!" she exclaimed again, this time in a voice filled with genuine sorrow.

Sam watched her, amused yet touched by her sincerity as she talked to the roasted chicken, feeling a warmth in his chest. She's too cute when she gets like this.

"It's just a chicken, Erica!" he laughed, shaking his head. "You're being dramatic!"

Erica pouted, her eyes still on Chuckles. "Maybe, but I can't help it! I was just getting to know him!"

Aunt Nena shook her head, laughing. "Oh, Sam, what are you waiting for? Let's eat!"

"Oh yes, yeah... um, let me do my coffee first," Sam replied, heading toward the kitchen.

Erica looked at him, puzzled. "Coffee? It's noon! The sun is blazing hot right now. You want coffee?"

Sam turned to her, an amused expression on his face. "What's wrong with coffee? It's good any time of the day!"

"I don't know, it just seems a bit... odd?" Erica replied, crossing her arms.

Sam chuckled as he prepared the coffee. "You'll get used to it. Besides, it helps me think."

Think about what? Erica wondered, feeling a twinge of curiosity about his habits and his life. "What do you think about?"

Sam paused for a moment, considering her question. "A lot of things. Mostly about how to make my life better, how to keep the farm running, and how to not lose my sanity dealing with... chickens." He shot her a teasing glance.

"Oh, is that what I am? Just another 'chicken' in your life?" Erica replied, smirking but feeling a little flattered.

"Well, you're definitely not just any chicken," Sam said, his tone playful yet sincere.

Erica felt a blush creep up her cheeks at his words. What does he mean by that? She couldn't help but feel a spark of connection between them.

As they sat down for lunch, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. They shared stories about their childhoods, laughter punctuating their conversation.

"You know," Erica began, hesitating for a moment, "I've always been the 'smart' one in school, the one who never made mistakes. I thought that meant I had to be perfect all the time."

Sam looked at her, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, when you're constantly trying to prove yourself, it's hard to relax and just be yourself. I've been so focused on what others think that I forgot to enjoy life." She sighed, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"I get that," Sam replied, his tone gentle. "But you know, nobody's perfect. We all make mistakes, and that's how we learn."

Erica nodded, her heart warming at his understanding. "Yeah, I guess I'm just starting to realize that."

Sam smiled, a glimmer of respect shining in his eyes. "I think it's great that you're figuring it out. You'll find that it's okay to let go sometimes."

Erica smiled back, feeling lighter. Maybe this place - and Sam - are helping me find a new side of myself.

As they continued to eat, she realized how much she enjoyed their conversations. There was something about Sam that made her feel safe, like she could share her insecurities without fear of judgment.

"Thanks, Sam," she said softly, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "For making me feel... normal."

He met her gaze, his expression earnest. "Always, Erica. You're more than just a city girl here. You're one of us."

The warmth in her chest grew, and she felt a deepening bond with him - a connection that transcended their differences. Maybe this rural life is exactly what I needed after all.