I nched, feeling stuck with indecision. I managed a smile, willed myself to move to her table. It would be rude to refuse her invitation.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    My gaze swept around, looking out for one face in particr. There was no sight of him nor did I perceive his signature scent which was fast bing his trademark.


    "Hi, everyone. Hello, Rachel." I grabbed a chair for myself and settled down amongst them. The conversation around the table resumed from where it had stopped and after a while, I found myself warming up as I indulged in the tasty food and the lively conversation.


    It was then I realized the low music that had been ying in the background. Schedule notes were passed round and somebody made a joke about working during a supposed getaway from work.


    It felt wonderful to mix with my colleagues, setting aside professionalism.


    It was a beautiful evening and I was grateful most especially that somehow, Aiden didn''t join in the dinner.


    The next morning, we arrived at Green Haven Farm, where we were warmly weed by the owner, Mr Jenkins, his weathered face creasing into a smile. His workers, a friendly bunch, nodded in greeting, their hands stained with the telltale signs of fermentation.


    "Ah, d you folks could make it!" He boomed, his voice like a warm hug. "Today, we''re gonna show yo


    you the secrets of making the finest sauerkraut from this side of the world."


    I listened intently as he began to showcase his famous technique, his hands moving deftly as he chopped and salted the cabbage, whilst talking about the health benefits.


    "I''ve always wondered how you get that perfect vor, I asked, fascinated by ne process.


    "The key is to get the right bnce of salt and acidity," he exined, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. You want it to be tangy, but not too sour."


    "So, the fermentation doesn''t ruin the sauerkraut and gives an odor of decay?" A male voice piped up behind me. All eyes flew to him, including mine,


    "Ah, that''s the magic of fermentation! It has a timing which if you stick to, turns out perfect." Mr. Jenkins chuckled. "It''s all about creating the right environment for those little microbes to do their thing." As he worked, He regaled us with stories of his childhood, of helping his mother make sauerkraut in their family kitchen. His love for the craft was infectious, and I found myself swept up in the art of it all because to me, it was one.


    Just then, the colleague who had spoken up earlier appeared beside me, his eyes fixed on Mr. Jenkins with interest. "Hey, Ana," he whispered, "looks like we''re in for a treat."


    I smiled, trying to y it cool, but I grew ufortable at the proximity. "Yeah, I''ve always wanted to learn how to make sauerkraut," I replied, trying to focus on the lesson at hand.


    On impulse, I nced behind me, startled to catch Aiden staring at me with intense concentration. Quickly, I looked away, feeling color flood my cheeks.


    The man beside me smiled, which I returned rather stiffly, trying to brush off the awkwardness. After the demonstration, we were grouped and given tasks toplete around the farm, including exploring the fermentation process and taking notes.


    Some of us had spread to distant parts of the farm. Only a handful of us remained and each group had their entire focus pinned on their various assignments.


    I focused on my task, trying to identify the various nts and ingredientsid out before me.


    The aroma of fresh herbs and earthy soil filled the air, and I breathed it in deeply, loving the scents as they mingled.


    The same colleague, a tall,nky man with a charming smile and a mischievous glint in his eye, approached me, offering to help.


    "Hey, you look like you could use a hand," he said, his voice low and smooth.


    I regarded him with a gentle smile, grateful for the assistance, but also wary of his overly friendly demeanor. "Thanks, I''m trying to figure out what all these nts are."


    He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "No problem. I''could be taking notes of your observations if you want."


    As we worked together, hisments started to take a flirtatious turn, his words dripping with innuendo. You know, you''re really beautiful when you''re concentrating," he said, his eyes roving over my face, making me feel like a specimen under a microscope.


    I stepped away from him, feeling a surge of difort. "Excuse me?"


    Politely, I tried to brush him off, but he continued to push the boundaries, his touch lingering on my arm, his breath hot against my ear. "I just can''t help myself," he whispered. "You''re so captivating." "You''re making me ufortable and I need to leave." I fought back the terr. from creeping into my words, steeling my voice.


    I tried to move away, but he leaned in closer, his body inches from mine, making me feel trapped and uneasy. "You''re right. Maybe we could take a break and get to know each other better?" he suggested. Just as I was about to firmly tell him off, a hand suddenly covered his face, shoving him away several feet away from me where he stumbled and fell.


    "She said back off, buddy."


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