Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 237

Chapter 237 Moonlit Confessions at the Riverbank 

73% 

45 Pearls 

Ava had been pretending not to hear Malory’s endless ranting about Laurent–right up until Malory suddenly started cursing his wife. 

But I’m Laurent’s wife. She’s cursing me? Right in my face?! 

Ava drew in a long breath. She really could faint on the spot. 

She quickly said, “Alright, Malory, you’re yelling at the wrong person! If you want to curse the chief instructor, curse him–why drag his wife into it?” 

I didn’t even do anything to you! 

Malory snorted. “I’m not cursing his wife–I’m cursing him! As if he even has a wife. What woman would want him? If he really had one, wouldn’t he just train her like a soldier too?” 

Ava shot her a look. “Come on. I’m going to ask the captain where we’re camping for the night.” 

Malory scratched her head, sensing something in Ava’s look that she couldn’t quite interpret. She hurried after her and tugged carefully at her arm. “Are you mad 

Ava pressed her lips together. “No.” 

Malory let out a relieved laugh. “Good. I thought you were defending that inhuman chief instructor.” 

Ava said nothing, feeling speechless. She quickened her pace and approached Linden. “Captain Oestergaard, where are we setting up camp tonight?” 

Linden looked at her. “What’s going on?” 

“Nothing–Malory said she wanted to find a place to shower.” 

Malory jumped like she’d been electrocuted and slapped a hand over Ava’s mouth. “I did not say that! Absolutely not, Captain!” 

Linden glanced at the two of them and said, “My mistake. I overlooked that. I checked ahead–there’s a water source near tonight’s campsite. We guys can fetch water and put up a simple shower stall for you. Conditions are rough, so you’ll have to make do.” 

Ava pulled Malory’s hand off her mouth. “Thank you so much, Captain, but we can fetch the water ourselves.” 

Linden chuckled. “You girls aren’t strong enough. We’ll bring the water back–just don’t mind the lack of comfort.” 

Another hour passed before Linden called for a stop. They wouldn’t be marching any farther that day. 

The boys quickly built a small stall of about 20 square feet. Then, Linden had several of them haul back buckets of water. 

With supplies limited, Ava carried a bucket of warmed water to the makeshift shower while Malory stood guard outside–then Ava would take her turn afterward. 

Ava didn’t wash her hair yet; she planned to heat more water later when they went to the river to do laundry. 

10:49 Fri, Jan 23 

Chapter 237 Moonlit Confessions at the Riverbank 

By the time the two girls had washed up, the boys had already finished cooking dinner. 

Pears 

Ava and Malory walked over, and seeing the dishes laid out halfway decently. Ava laughed. “Wow, looks good! You all might be ready to graduate from the kitchen. Not bad, not bad. Who cooked tonight?” 

Edwin was setting out bowls when he replied, “Elio. If he hears you praising him like that, he’ll float away.” 

“What do you mean, float away?” Elio came over, carrying the last dish. 

Edwin shrugged. “Your tail would be wagging into the sky. I’m complimenting you. Look–your crush just praised your cooking.” 

Elio shot him a glare, then looked at Ava. “Don’t listen to him. Every word out of his mouth is crap. 

Edwin barked a laugh. “You’re right. I talk crap. Says the guy who–oh? Who was it talking in his sleep last night- 

Before he could finish, Elio locked an arm around Edwin’s neck. “Shut up!” 

Edwin watched Ava leave and wiggled out of Elio’s hold with a grin. “I was helping you! Why are you chickening out?” 

Elio muttered, “Edwin, this isn’t funny.” 

Edwin snorted but let it go. 

After dinner, Ava and Malory each carried a bucket of hot water to the river, along with basins full of dirty clothes. 

Under the moonlit sky, they washed their hair and scrubbed their clothes clean. Ava looked at the rippling water, then up at the hanging moon, and sighed. 

Brushing her hair out with a comb, Malory glanced at her. “What’s wrong? Homesick? Or thinking about some secret sweetheart?” 

Ava pressed a dry towel to her hair. “Yeah… a little homesick.” 

“Do you have someone?” Malory asked. 

Ava froze for a second, then hummed in confirmation. 

“Wow, you really tied yourself down that fast?” Malory stared at her in surprise. 

Ava tilted her head back. “You’re not?” 

Malory laughed. “I am. I meant you–you’re such a well–mannered girl, and you’re so pretty and smart. I didn’t expect you to already be tied down at 25.” 

338