#best water dispenser brand

[sumeetcookware]

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[nehswritesstuffs]

HEART PIRATES WEEK 2024 - Part 8 of 9

I told myself last year that I was going to participate in Heart Pirates Week this year, and by thunder I'm going to participate in Heart Pirates Week!

Day Eight: Hakugan - Caught

912 words; I struggled with this one until I almost couldn’t stop, let me tell you; the warning for this one is non-sexual nakedness and references to some of the darker things that happen in canon; still not proofread lololol

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

He had one condition: the mask stayed on. That was all Hakugan asked for as he hesitated before the gangplank, staring at the captain who was standing on the deck.

“Whatever; don’t let it get in the way.”

Nodding, Hakugan stepped onto the Polar Tang and into his new life as a pirate. He was shedding his past, as he knew many others did once they boarded a ship—let alone a pirate ship—and it was freeing beyond all measure. Once he was atop the deck, he followed the captain underneath before being passed off to a surly-looking woman about his age.

“This is what I’ve got to work with?” she scoffed. “You’re killing me, Cap.” The captain simply kept walking, making the woman scowl. “Fine. Whatever. So, what’s your name?”

“Hakugan.”

“…okay. Hakugan.” She seemed to be testing the name out on her lips. “You ever been on a ship before?”

“Yes, but not like this one,” he said. The young man shuffled back and forth on his feet. “I like this one better.”

She raised an eyebrow, her expression somewhat curious. “As long as you remember this is my baby, got it?” She patted the nearest bit of metal wall. “Ever since I got here and liberated her from the morons, she’s been under my care, so what I say goes, got it?”

Hakugan nodded, not wanting to incur someone’s wrath so quickly. “Is there somewhere I can wash up first before I get hazed? It’s been a bit.”

“Yeah; showers are down the corridor, to your right,” she said, jabbing her thumb over her shoulder. “First door should have some clean underwear, socks, and coveralls that’ll fit you. Use those until we can get you some new clothes—those are filthy.”

Shrugging, Hakugan didn’t argue that fact. His clothes were more sweat and dirt than fabric at that point. “I’ll, erm, meet you in the engine room in half an hour…?”

“Sounds fair.” She then turned around and left him alone, allowing him to grab what he needed out of the cupboard before slipping into the shower room. It was very open for the most part, but there were a few stalls in the corner, doors nothing more than a curtain. He grabbed a towel from the stack along the wall and hid himself in a stall, freezing as he stared at himself in the mirror.

‘I’m doing this,’ he marveled silently. ‘I’m really doing this.’ He hung the towel on a peg and the underwear and coveralls on the curtain rod so they were mostly out of the stall. First, he kicked off his boots so the rested outside the stall—new ones were going to become a priority despite they were the best things he had—followed by peeling off his clothes. Soon there was a crumpled lump of clothing in the corner as he stood there naked save his mask…

…the one thing he would stubbornly carry over from his old life.

Carefully, Hakugan took the mask off and hung it up on a hook before looking at himself again in the mirror. There, plain in the yellowed overhead lights, he saw his reflection and cringed. He saw his twin brands: the one over his left eye that took out his vision, leaving the claw parts of the Hoof above and below his eye, while the other one sat on his right cheek, put there after they had secured him from struggling more. If he was lucky, no one would be able to guess his depth perception was due to burgeoning Haki skills for at least a few months…

No, he couldn’t think about that. He looked at the liquid soap dispenser and realized it was a three-in-one—it was better than nothing. The water ran cold for only a few seconds after he turned it on, allowing him a soothing hot spray as he stood there in a daze. A couple moments and he was able to snap himself out of it, dispensing some soap into his hands to work into a lather in his hair and on his body.

‘Oh, I really should get that too,’ he thought as his good eye caught sight of the mask. He lifted it off the peg and got some more soap, carefully rubbing the liquid all around the mask’s interior and exterior, careful to get the ridges where dead skin and oils built up well. Hakugan was so involved in attempting to wash out his mask that he didn’t even notice anyone else was in there until it was too late…

“Hey, uh, Ikkaku said that you probably don’t have anything as far as things to keep clean with, so she wanted me to give you—” A red-haired man in a floppy hat and glasses pulled back the edge of the curtain, making Hakugan jump in surprise. They both stared at one another before the intruder held out the small bag in his hand. “Here. This is yours.”

“I can’t go back,” Hakugan croaked out, his voice barely above a whisper. The other man wrinkled his nose and let out a chuckle.

“Go back…? Nah; if you’re here, you belong with us.” He waited until Hakugan took the bag before replacing the curtain. “Being in the Polar Tang is going to break you of that shyness, by the way.”

Hakugan stayed frozen in place until he felt the water begin to chill against his skin.

[mariacallous]

Anna Kai believes in self-gaslighting. On TikTok, as @itsmaybeboth, she markets beauty products for Garnier, Nivea, and Nexxus Hair Care while dispensing relationship advice to her 1.3 million followers. “If you can gaslight yourself into believing the man that doesn’t love you actually loves you, then why can’t you gaslight yourself into believing you will find a man who actually does?”

For Blaine Anderson, finding the right partner is all about savvy marketing, which “great guys often SUCK at,” a note on her website exclaims. She has hacks for every possible scenario that can, and will, arise during the dating process: how to text like a “high-value man,” what first-date mistakes to avoid, how to make women obsessed, and the best ways to attract them without talking. In case you were curious, it starts with good posture and grooming. “If you haven’t been shopping since the Obama administration, it’s time,” she says in a video uploaded to TikTok in May.

“As a relationship therapist, I’ve literally spent my career studying the art of attraction and human psychology, so I know that these things work,” Kimberly Moffit, a Toronto-based psychotherapist, said in a TikTok video from 2022. Maybe your crush is shy and you want to know if he is “micro-flirting” with you? One tell-tale sign: dirty jokes. “An aggressive guy is just gonna hit on you,” she said, “but a shy guy is really gonna test the waters first.”

If you haven’t heard, it’s boom times for dating influencers. According to a new survey of single adults aged 18 to 62 conducted by the app Flirtini, one in four people rely on TikTok as their primary source of relationship information, and almost 50 percent of people surveyed turn to social media for dating advice.

This phenomenon has created an ecosystem of thoughtful, overzealous, trend-chasing dating influencers who think they know what’s best for you. The marketplace is now overrun with gurus offering up romantic hacks and how-tos to anyone who will listen. Everyone from credentialed therapists and life coaches to that annoying friend who just discovered bell hooks’ All About Love and wants to share everything they learned brands themselves a dating influencer these days. The effect has been seismic. On TikTok, the hashtags #datingadvice and #relationshipadvice have upwards of 16 billion views.

And it’s not all bad advice per se. Kai’s self-gaslighting tip is actually quite clever. (Kai and the other influencers mentioned in this story did not respond to messages seeking comment.) There’s just one problem: Relationship misinformation is spreading fast.

A growing number of young adults now get their news from TikTok, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, “so it makes sense that they’d turn to the app for relationship advice too,” says Liesel Sharabi, a professor at Arizona State University who specializes in the effect technology has on interpersonal relationships. The increased reliance on the platform as a go-to source for romantic guidance has led many users to form parasocial relationships with advice-giving influencers. Unlike face-to-face, IRL relationships, these tend to be one-way. But emotionally, they feel like the real thing.

“Someone might feel like they’re getting dating advice from a trusted friend because they’ve developed such a strong sense of familiarity and connection with that person,” Sharabi says. “The problem is that when it comes to dating, there are plenty of people who call themselves experts on TikTok without any sort of training or qualifications, which can make it difficult to separate fact from opinion.”

Not all advice is created equal. As dating influencers gain more traction across social media, the proliferation of relationship misinformation becomes harder to contain. This, Sharabi describes, is “false or misleading information about relationships that can’t be evaluated using scientific data and which may perpetuate harmful stereotypes.”

The increased spread of questionable dating advice is having real-world consequences. According to the Flirtini study, 46 percent of people faced relationship struggles after following TikTok advice, with 23 percent saying it led to a break up. It begs the question: Has our need to be plugged in all the time—let's face it, many of us are hooked on the booze of social media—outweighed our rationale as humans, leading people to look for advice from the wrong people?

“Relationship advice that is attention-grabbing may not always be the most sound or accurate to people’s actual relationship needs,” says Aparajita Bhandari, an academic at the University of Waterloo who’s conducted research on TikTok. “The way our current online attention economy works breeds content that is outrageous or tends toward misinformation because it is what goes viral and gets views. Unhealthy ideas or advice can spread so quickly on a platform like TikTok that it can be difficult to even trace back to one specific source.”

For some dating influencers, love is not actually the endgame—status and comfort are. There is a dedicated core of influencers who can teach you how to marry rich, live comfortably, and never work again. For them, it is all about “high-value” dating. Love is simply the icing on the cake to a life of worry-free, jet-setting luxury.

Shera Seven is a household name among this contingent of dating influencers, beloved for her matter-of-fact approach to modern partnership. In her eyes, love is nothing more than a business transaction. “Make sure the second date is a money date. The faster you get him to spend money, the faster he attaches to you,” Seven recommended in a recent video. “You’re seeing him as a provider, a baller—and he might not even see himself that way—but now that you are perceiving him that way, he’s going to start acting that way. Drag him into your delusion.”

Influencers with large followings like Seven, Cam Donnez, and Niko of The Daddy Academy carry an impression of social authority, and therefore credibility, says Makana Chock, a communications professor at Syracuse University. But something else is also at work. More and more, TikTok is being used as a search engine in the same way many of us use Google.

“Relationships are areas where people often feel the greatest insecurities and need advice. We are sometimes, however, reluctant to turn to personal contacts for help,” Chock adds. “We may be reluctant to reveal weaknesses, concerned about close others’ conflicting motivations, or skeptical about their relationship skills.”

But relying too heavily on TikTok’s algorithm has repercussions, especially in matters of the heart. “The algorithm isn’t necessarily incentivized to recommend the most scientifically sound advice,” Sharabi says. “It’s going to prioritize content that leads to engagement in terms of likes, followers, and views. What makes something go viral on TikTok isn’t necessarily that it’s good advice—in some cases, it might even be the opposite.”

[chickensarentcheap]

Sneak Peek :). Chapter four of In a Heartbeat

“What about my other boots?”

“What other boots?”

“The ones  I had on my feet.  When I was brought in here.”

 “Babe, I threw those out the first day.” 

He scowls.

“I tried, believe me.  I wanted to save them. But they were completely unsalvagable.”

“They were practically brand new.”

“Brand new a decade ago, maybe.  They had definitely seen better days.  They were a completely mess BEFORE  Dhaka ever happened.  I promise I did my very best. That I tried everything I could think of short of giving them mouth-to-mouth.  They flatlined.  There was no hope.”

It’s the truth.  She HAD tried to salvage them. . And the bulletproof tact vest that he’d been wearing.  And she can vividly able to remember the moment she’d stood -a dirty and exhausted, tattered mess- at the sink in one of the many public bathrooms. Working her fingers raw as she used scalding hot water and soap from a hand dispenser to vigorously and relentlessly scrub at all the blood.  It had still been damp and fresh; the smell of copper had hung heavily in the room; as the water, soap suds, and the porcelain of the sink turned a bright and furious red.  Sobbing until she was breathless and gasping for air, tears streaming down her face as her desperate and terrified brain tried to make sense of where she was, what had happened, and how she ever managed to survive.

And what she thought cleaning those badly damage items could accomplish.

He’s going to use them again, she had silently argued. Common sense no longer her friend and ally.  He’s going to be okay, and he’s going to wear these, and they need to be clean.

They HAVE to be clean. 

*****

@tragiclyhip @munstysmind @mrsmungus @youflickedtooharddamnit @secretaryunpaid @thebejeweledwatercat @alisbackalleybbq @asirensrage @themaradwrites @residentdormouse @ninjasawakenedmystar @kmc1989 @karimac @theesirenteller

[bortbytingen]

So, I've discovered this thing. Most likely not the first one to discover it, but thought I would share anyway.

I'm very sensitive to textures and one of the things I hate the textures of is shampoo and shower gels. However, foam versions of it works. Unfortunately, those are expensive and I also have sensitive skin and can't use any of the pre-made foamy shower gels I've found (they also tend to be way too perfumed anyway). Thankfully, I have now discovered a cheap way to turn most shampoos and shower gels into foamy ones.

All you need is a foam dispenser bottle, water (I use boiled, but cooled down, water) and shower gel/shampoo.

(I'm trying that Sanex one right now, in hope my skin will accept it since I'd like something that's a little scented and also doesn't smell like fruit or bubblegum.)

You can either buy a brand new foam dispenser bottle or, like I did, buy a cheap one with product in it (mine was 95p at Home Bargains and I poured out the face wash in it and cleaned it out).

(Sorry, I forgot to take photos of the steps.)

Pour some shower gel/shampoo in the bottle.

Pour double the amount of water into the bottle. So, if you, for example, use 1 tbsp of shower gel, you need to use 2 tbsp of water.

Screw back the dispenser cap/mouthpiece and shake. The mixture needs to blend.

Done! Push the dispenser and you'll get lovely foam.

PS: This works best with clear products. If you shampoo/shower gel is creamy, you might need more water. Or at least that's my experience.

[aquagrand]

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[caxycreations]

I

Wanna answer this with a short story, ha. So here goes...

Luka stood in awe, staring at the screen of his phone. He'd been added to the new work group chat at the school, and the teachers were discussing a possible update to the teachers lounge: a Galvanized brand coffee machine.

Top of the line, with a chamber for flavored cups of ground coffee for instant dispensing of the drink. It could hold up to ten flavors, and bore a screen with each flavor listed on it for easy selection. On top of that, the water chamber was filtered and self-cleaning, which meant no more taking turns scrubbing out the chamber.

But even with all this, the icing on the cake was the smart features and temperature control. It offered a range of temperatures, including iced and boiling, to satisfy all customers, and could be activated and operated through voice commands.

The only problem was that the device cost nearly six hundred dollars, and the conversation in the group chat was about whether or not the faculty could convince the board to find the budget for it. Of course some had suggested pooling their money to buy it for themselves, but the topic of ownership had come up and Luka had tuned out.

His mind was focused on the machine itself. Coffee was his favorite part- well, second favorite part- of his morning routine. It gave him the energy to jog to work, the awareness to think at his best. And best of all, the boost it gave him made it all the easier to keep his energy up for both cleaning the halls and playing with the children during recess.

Looking to his counter at the rather pitiful coffee machine he owned, an old and simple discount machine he'd gotten from a second-hand store, he raised an eyebrow and smirked. Thinking about it, he rarely spent money outside of the necessary, and had a decent nest egg set aside to spend however he pleased. After all, a few hundred dollars on a single luxury wouldn't set him back so far he would be unprotected if hard times hit.

As he thought of this, his true favorite part of his morning came walking out of the hallway and into the kitchen. As Olivia took her cup of coffee from the counter, still hot thanks to Luka's decision to prepare hers a little while after his own, the sergal's wife sat across from him.

As the cheetah sipped her coffee, Luka mulled over how to approach the topic. She was as frugal as he was, and neither of them were much for luxury. Both of them had always been more than happy with the simpler things in life, and expensive things which were only expensive as the cost of convenience were usually below their radar.

Luka decided it best to simply mention he wanted to replace his old coffee machine. That may lead to a conversation, and maybe he would find she was as excited about the new Galvanized product as he was. He smiled, inhaling as he opened his mouth in preparation to speak, the words forming at the base of his throat and finding their way up, only to be stopped before a single word could be uttered as Olivia held up a finger.

"No, you're not buying the coffee thing they're on about."

Luka snapped his jaws shut, smiling sheepishly as he simply sipped his coffee. Olivia eyed him sternly before rolling her eyes and smiling, simply sliding her phone across the table. The sergal looked to the screen, seeing that she had been on Galvanized's website, and had already ordered one.

She giggled, resting her head on her palm as she placed her cup on the table. She spoke in honeyed words, her accent distinctly southern, love dripping from each syllable as she looked into her husbands eyes. "Honestly, Luka...You're too easy to read some times, Dearest." She took his hand in hers and Luka blushed beneath his fur.

"I believe you are simply smarter than you believe yourself to be, my love." His accent was thickly Russian, and his words carried with them a tone of admiration and adoration in equal measure. The pair shared a smile before they each returned to their drinks, and Luka thought for what he felt was the hundredth time this morning about how unbelievably lucky he was to have earned the heart of the woman sitting across from him.

which member of your otp says “no” right after the other takes a deep breath

[penguinengineers]

Buy Panipuri Filling Machine at Best Price

Panipuri Filling Machines: A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers

Introduction

Panipuri, a favorite Indian street food, is known for its crispy shells filled with delicious water and filling. Making panipuri by hand, especially in high volumes, is a challenging process, and that’s where a panipuri filling machine becomes essential. This machine simplifies the filling process, ensuring each panipuri is filled consistently and efficiently, making it a valuable asset for restaurants and food businesses. 

Overview of Panipuri Filling Machines

A panipuri filling machine is specially designed to automate the filling of panipuri shells. It consists of components such as a filling chamber, dispenser, and conveyor, which work together to fill each panipuri precisely. Machines vary by type; some are fully automated, while others may require partial manual assistance. Key features include adjustable filling options for different flavors, high-speed operations, and easy cleaning mechanisms. With a variety of machines on the market, it’s important to choose one that aligns with the specific needs of the business.

Importance of Choosing the Right Panipuri Machine Manufacturer

A panipuri filling machine's performance and longevity are highly dependent on the manufacturer. A reliable manufacturer ensures that the golgappa machine is built with quality materials, is durable, and performs efficiently under constant use. Factors like the company’s reputation, experience, and customer feedback should be considered when selecting a manufacturer company. Penguin Engineering has a long history in the food machinery business and is known for producing innovative and high-quality products. Their commitment to excellence ensures that businesses receive machines that meet their needs and exceed expectations.

Benefits of Using a Panipuri Filling Machine

Increased Efficiency: With a filling machine, businesses can prepare large quantities of panipuri in significantly less time, maximizing output.

Consistency: Each panipuri is filled uniformly, enhancing the overall presentation and taste consistency, crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction.

Reduced Labor Costs: Automating the filling process reduces the need for manual labor, helping businesses save on labor costs over time.

Ease of Operation: Most machines are designed to be user-friendly, allowing staff to operate them with minimal training.

Factors Influencing Panipuri Filling Machine Price

Several elements affect the price of a panipuri filling machine:

Machine Specifications: Machines with advanced features like multiple filling options, higher speeds, or digital controls will generally be more expensive.

Production Capacity: Machines with higher output capacities tend to cost more, as they are built for larger-scale production.

Brand and Quality: Well-known brands with a track record of quality often have higher-priced products but offer greater reliability and customer support.

Understanding these factors can help buyers assess value for money and choose a machine that aligns with their budget and operational needs.

Where to Buy Panipuri Filling Machines in India

In India, there are various options for buying panipuri filling machines. Many buyers prefer online platforms for convenience, but local suppliers and direct purchases from manufacturers like Penguin Engineering are also popular options. Penguin Engineering offers golgappa machine that are crafted with high-quality materials and tested for durability, making them a trusted choice in the industry. 

Tips for Buying a Panipuri Filling Machine

For those considering a panipuri filling machine, here are some practical tips:

Warranty: Ensure that the machine comes with a warranty to cover any manufacturing defects or operational issues.

After-Sales Support: Reliable after-sales support is essential for maintenance and repairs. Choose a company that offers comprehensive support services.

Customer Reviews: Research customer reviews to understand the machine’s performance and durability. A product with positive feedback from other businesses is often a good choice.

Why Choose Penguin Engineering?

Penguin Engineering has established itself as India’s top innovative food machinery company. Founded in 1992, the company has contributed to the food manufacturing industry by introducing automation in panipuri making and other food processing machines. Penguin Engineering was honored by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shree Bhupendra Patel, for its Smart Automatic Panipuri Machine at Khadhyakhorak 2021, recognizing its technological advancements in food automation.

Penguin Engineering’s range of food machinery includes not only panipuri machines but also sugarcane juicers, bhelpuri machines, tea-making machines, and even serving robots. With a commitment to quality, durability, and excellent customer support, Penguin Engineering is a reliable choice for food businesses looking to enhance their operations with automated equipment.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality panipuri filling machine can transform the preparation process for businesses, improving efficiency and consistency. Choosing a trusted manufacturer like Penguin Engineering ensures that you receive a machine that performs well, lasts long, and offers great value. For those looking to streamline their operations and offer customers delicious, perfectly filled panipuri, Penguin Engineering offers a range of options tailored to meet every need.

Need a panipuri filling machine at the latest price? Visit Website, contact +91-95102-49096, or email info.penguinmech@gmail.com for more information.   

[cuckoosingapore]

CUCKOO Water Purifier- Mark Of Purity And Health.

Clean and pure water is important for good health and fit life. It is important to invest in good Water Dispenser to ensure pure, healthy and clean water on demand.

With the growing water pollution, the leading water filter brands have engineered the best quality water purifiers that effectively remove all kinds of impurities from water.

CUCKOO, the leading home appliance brand has engineered the cutting-edge water filtration system that effectively removes all kinds of impurities including virus, bacteria, dust, dirt and impurities from water dispenses pure water 24/7.

What makes CUCKOO water filters stay ahead of the curve?

Robust filtration technology: CUCKOO water purifiers feature the cutting-edge Nano-Positive filtration technology that effectively removes 99.9% impurities from water. The robust filtration method ensures pure, WHO-Standard quality and clean water with a push of a button.

Alkaline Water: Alkaline water is known for its great health benefits. CUCKOO water filters feature the in-build Alkaline Mineralizer that balances pH water levels and ensures the presence of essential minerals including sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium in water. The Alkaline Mineralizer makes the water mild-alkaline and healthy.

Remove heavy metals: CUCKOO water filters effectively removes all kinds of heavy metals including cadmium, lead, arsenic and chlorine from water. The presence of these metals causes life-threatening diseases like cancer.

Auto-Cleaning: The USP of CUCKOO water purifier is its auto-sterilization process. The chemical-free and automatic cleaning process cleans the water path, faucet and water tank enabling hygienic water on demand.

Sustainability: CUCKOO water filters feature the eco-friendly initiatives that reduce its environment impact. The water filters feature energy-saving methods including energy- eye sensors that ensure less energy is consumed during the filtration process and zero-water wastage where in not even an ounce of water is wasted during the purification process.

CUCKOO water filters stand out for their innovative filtration process, sleek designs and user-friendly initiatives. They are engineered using the beyond standards technology that ensures clean and pure water is dispenses on demand. Embrace a fit and healthy life by investing in CUCKOO, the Best Water Purifier Price Singapore.

[chickensarentcheap]

In a Heartbeat: Chapter Four

Fandom: Extraction

PAIRING: TYLER RAKE AND ESME DRUMMOND (ESTABLISHED OFC)

WARNINGS: angst. Big time angst.

SUMMARY:  Dhaka nearly ended everything before it even began.  In it’s aftermath and with Tyler’s life teetering on the threshold between life and death, Esme is about to realize just how strong she can be.  And that love happens when it happens. There’s no rules. No rhyme or reason. No timeline.  

Tagging: @tragiclyhip @munstysmind @themaradwrites @youflickedtooharddamnit @secretaryunpaid @asirensrage @thebejeweledwatercat @karimac @residentdormouse @kmc1989 @ninjasawakenedmystar @alisbackalleybbq @arrthurpendragon @ocappreciation @occommunity @theesirenteller

Warnings: none really. Just some canon stuff from E2.

Link to Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48691714/chapters/129185005

My tag list is OPEN. Please let me know if you'd like to be added :D

****

TWO MONTHS LATER

“I hope we don’t forget anything,” Esme laments, hands on her hips as she surveys the room. “It’s not like we can just hop in the car and head over here to pick shit up.”

“What’s there to forget? I came in here with basically nothing.”

“I’ve bought all kinds of things since then. Not to mention everything Nik has picked up for us along the way.”

With her head cocked to the side and an index digit pressed to her lips, she uses the fingers of her free hand to count out the various items, announcing each out loud. Brand new sneakers, t-shirts, several pairs of sweatpants, and shorts were all purchased to be worn during his gruelling and often painful physiotherapy sessions. A handful of smaller personal effects: toothbrush and paste, electric razor, brush and comb. And a brand new winter jacket, beanie, and boots for the start of their life in Austria.

Tyler winces as he gingerly rises from the couch across the room; using both the coffee table and a simple, black metal cane for balance and support. That morning’s final rehab session had seemed especially brutal; an already weary and aching body pushed even further past its limits. Yet it’s a welcomed pain, a sign that things are working correctly and that he’s healing and well on his way to recovery. And while he isn’t thrilled about having to use an assistive device or having to sport the brace that keeps his surgically repaired right knee stabilized, it’s far better than the alternative of not being able to walk at all.

Or, worse, being dead.

He slowly makes his way towards her. “What about my other boots?”

“What other boots?”

“The ones I had on my feet. When I was brought in here.”

“Babe, I threw those out the first day.”

He scowls.

“I tried, believe me. I wanted to save them. But they were completely unsalvageable.”

“They were practically brand new.”

“Brand new a decade ago, maybe. They had definitely seen better days. They were a complete mess BEFORE Dhaka ever happened. I promise I did my very best. That I tried everything I could think of short of giving them mouth-to-mouth. They flatlined. There was no hope.”

It’s the truth. She HAD tried to salvage them. And the bulletproof tact vest that he’d been wearing. And she can vividly remember the moment she’d stood at the sink in one of the many public bathrooms, working her fingers raw as she used scalding hot water and soap from a hand dispenser to vigorously and relentlessly scrub at all of the blood. It had still been damp and fresh, and the smell of copper had hung heavily in the air; the water, soap suds, and the porcelain of the sink turning a bright, furious red. And she had sobbed until she was breathless and gasping for air; tears streaming down her face as her desperate and terrified brain tried to make sense of where she was, what had happened, and just what she thought she would accomplish.

He’s going to use them again, she had argued. Common sense no longer her friend and ally. He’s going to be okay, and he’s going to wear these, so they need to be clean.

They HAVE to be clean.

“Those were my favourite ones. I had them for years. And you just go and throw them out? What…?”

“I’ll buy you another pair.” Her response -and tone of voice- is far more curt and aggressive than necessary. And she immediately regrets it; noticing the concern that darkens his eyes and furrows his brow. “Maybe you’ll like them better,” she quickly adds and throws in a half-assed smile.

It was the stroll down memory lane; the visit to that dark and scary place that she has no desire to ever return to. But the harsh reality is that while she may never step foot in Dhaka again, it will forever be etched in her mind and upon her soul. A traumatic and harrowing experience that haunts her in the dead of night and on those early, rainy or snowy mornings; when the house is still and eerily quiet and she has too much time on her hands to think.

“Esme…” Tentatively reaching out for her, his knuckles skim along her cheek, hating the tears that sparkle in her eyes and the way both lower and chin tremble as she fights back her emotions. “...I was joking. Just giving you a hard time. Teasing you. I didn’t…”

“I’m sorry. For snapping at you. I guess I’m just really overwhelmed. It’s hitting home, you know? We are FINALLY getting out of here. And in less than ten hours, we’re going to be starting a whole new life. In Austria. Together.”

“Is that a bad thing or…?”

“No! God no! I have been waiting almost nine months for this. For you to be healthy enough to walk out of here. This is everything I have wanted for so long; for you to get back on your feet and for us to hide ourselves away and concentrate on each other.”

“And you’re not doubting your decision or questioning whether or not we’re doing the right thing?”

“Are you?”

“I asked you first.”

“I’ve never questioned if I’ve done the right thing. Not when it comes to you. Do YOU have cold feet?”

“I’m a little nervous,” he admits. “Last time I lived with someone, it didn’t end so well. And it was mostly my fault. Guess I’m just worried I’m gonna fuck it up. That I’m going to end up being a huge failure and you’re going regret every hooking up with me and…”

“That’s NOT going to happen. It’s NEVER going to happen. And what if it’s the other way around? What if I drive you so batshit insane, YOU regret ever meeting ME?”

“Esme, I love you. More than I ever thought I could love someone. But you weigh a hundred pounds soaking wet. You’re small enough to carry around in my pocket. I think I can handle you.”

“Well, you know that say; about tiny people being the ones you really have to watch out for. We’re sketchy, cagey little things. Everyone underestimates us.”

“What are you going to do? Bite me in the shins? Head butt me in the nuts like an angry goat?”

“Did you honestly just compare me to livestock?”

“Goats are little and cute. You’re little and cute. It’s an accurate comparison.”

“That isn’t the smooth and effortless save you think it is.”

“If you ever do come at me, all I have to do is…” Placing palm flat on the top of her head, he easily holds her at arm’s length. “...and that’ll keep you right where you are until you calm down. Can’t even take a swing at me. Your arms won’t reach that far.”

“Is this how it’s going to be? For the rest of our lives? You taking cheap shots just because I happen to be vertically challenged?”

“Vertically challenged?” He chuckles when she slaps his hand away. “That’s what the kids are calling it these days? You’re not just a short ass anymore?”

Smirking, she returns her back to him, returning to the open duffle bag in the middle of the bed. “You are really pushing your luck, buddy. You’re already on my second-to-last nerve, and we haven’t even gotten to Austria yet. All the shit I’ve done for you in the past nine months, and this is the thanks I get? This is how you show your gratitude? By making fun of me?”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Draping a forearm across her collarbone, both knee and back crack when he bends down to press a kiss to her temple. “ I’m sorry that you’re freakishly small. And that your parents’ DNA screwed up somewhere along the way, and you haven’t grown since you were twelve.”

Smirking, she directs a playful elbow into his stomach. “Asshole.”

“You’re just way too easy to pick on. You know I only do it to get a reaction outta ya, right? It’s fun; seeing you get all hot under the collar.”

“If that’s your idea of fun…”

“Well, I can think of a few other things I’d rather resort to for a good time, but…”

“Have you ever thought that maybe I’M the normal size one and you’re just freakishly tall?”

“I hate to break it to you, but being four foot nothing is NOT normal.”

“I’m five foot three, thank you very much!”

“Be honest.”

“I am being honest! I’m five foot three!”

“You wouldn’t be five foot three even in heels. Tell the truth.”

“I am! I’m…”

“Esme…”

“Fine…” She sighs in exasperation and surrender. “I’m five feet. And three-quarters!”

“Those three-quarters don’t matter.”

“Sure they do. They make me closer to five foot one, don’t they? And for the record? You are freakishly tall. And big. In many ways.”

“I would be to you. You’re a munchkin.”

“I swear to Christ…”

“What are you going to do? I can’t take a threat seriously when it comes from someone that practically doesn’t have to kneel when they’re giving me…”

“You are one SICK human being, you know that?”

“In all the ways you like best.”

“I also think you have some weird size kink going on.”

“Size kink? What the hell is THAT?”

“Technically, a kink just means unconventional sexual behaviour or preferences.”

“I know what ‘kink’ means. But size kink?”

“You get off on the fact that I’m so much smaller than you are. It was probably one of the things that attracted you to me. You liked the idea of being so much bigger; all that power and strength compared to my size means you can dominate me much easier than other people. And you DO like being in charge, so…”

“You were tiny and cute. I liked that.”

“So did your dick, apparently.”

“I will admit, it did like it. A lot. It still does.”

“Definite size kink. I’m freakishly small, and you’re freakishly big. We’re a very odd couple. You see the way the nurses and everyone here look at us whenever we’re out for walks together.”

“I just assumed it’s ‘cause you’re so fucking hot.”

“As much as I appreciate you consistently stroking my ego, it’s because we look weird together. Maybe not in a BAD way. But we do. And there’s nothing wrong with having a size kink. That’s something to be ashamed about. I guess maybe I have one too. I seem drawn to men that are a lot taller than I am.”

“Everyone is taller than you are.”

“But you’re definitely the record holder when it comes to height. And weight. You’re well beyond what’s normal for me.”

“I’m sorry. That I wrecked your vagina for everyone else.”

“Tyler, I swear…”

“Who am I kidding? There isn’t going to BE anyone else.” He reaches over her shoulder for an item at the top of the bag. A small yet neatly wrapped bundle; pristine white tissue paper secured by strips of purple satin. “What’s this?”

“This…” She snatches it away before he can get a firm hold on it. “...is none of your business.”

“Whose is it?”

“Mine.”

“Why’s it a secret?”

“It’s not a secret. It’s a surprise.”

“For who?”

“Who do you think? Jesus….”

“But I don’t like surprises.”

“Well, too bad. Learn to like them. You’re in for a lot of them, trust me. Living with me is no easy feat.”

“If you’re talking about me finding out about your twelve different personalities…”

“Don’t make me smother in your sleep.”

“Can’t I get some kind of hint? When it comes to what to expect? Give me something here. Just something small. So I can kinda prepare myself.”

“Nik was NOT kidding. When she told me how difficult you can be. On the bright side, I have experience with FAR more problematic people than you.”

“Baby, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

“If you’re trying to scare me away, it isn’t going to work. I’ve already been through the depths of hell with you. There’s no way it could possibly get any worse.”

“Be careful what you wish for, Esme.”

“Please…” She gives a derisive snort “....you’re harmless. Everyone else who meets you may think you’re scary and intimidating, but you’ve never made me wet my pants.”

“I’ve made you wet them in different ways.”

Sighing in exasperation, she briefly closes her eyes.

“Just give me a little hint. About what the surprise is. I’m not asking for much here.”

“You are such a control freak, you know that?”

“I just don’t like surprises. I like knowing what’s coming. What to expect. So cut me a little slack, yeah?”

“It’s something to wear.”

“For who to wear?”

“For ME to wear. It���s black, and it’s soft, and it’s sort of shimmery. And it’s something for our first night in our own place together.”

“It’s something like THAT.”

Nodding, she zips up the bag and turns to face him. “Do you realize it’s the first time we will be completely alone in NINE MONTHS? No nurses, no doctors, no one just wandering in whenever they feel like it. No Nik or Yaz just showing up out of the blue. Just me and you. In the middle of nowhere. Where no one can hear you scream.”

“You’re the noisy one.”

“I meant when I kill you.”

“If a bullet to the throat can’t do it, what makes you think you can?”

“Oh baby, I have powers that you can’t even begin to understand. You’re not the only one that can be difficult to live with.”

“You know, you might be the first person I’ve ever been legitimately scared of.”

“You should be. I have ways of hurting you….” Sliding a hand between their bodies, she slides her down down his stomach and allows it to briefly rest on his crotch. The tip of her tongue sweeping across her top lip as she gives a firm squeeze. “...that no one else has ever thought of.”

“I’m spooked.”

“Rightfully so.”

“You’re going to cut my dick off, aren’t you.”

“If I find your dick inside of anyone else? You’re damn right I will.”

“You’ll never have to worry about that. I may be a lot of things, but a cheat isn’t one of them.”

“But for just being an insufferable asshole at times? I would NEVER. I’d miss your dick way more than even you would.”

“So that IS why you’re with me. It’s totally the dick. And what I can do with it.”

“Well, it’s not the ONLY reason. But it is pretty high on the list.”

She squeals when he aggressively smacks her ass, laughing as fingers bite through the denim of her jeans and he pulls her tightly against him. A long, content sigh escapes when he kisses her; standing on her tiptoes with both arms wrapped around his torso as she eagerly responds. Her eyes remaining closed when he pulls away, smiling at the feel of soft, warm lips as they connect with her forehead.

It remains a mystery. How such an enormous, strong man known for his strength and his aggression and violent and bloody lifestyle, can possess such tenderness. But he’s an entirely different being when they’re alone, and the outside world ceases to exist; patient and kind, his face and his voice much softer, his touch and his kisses so attentive.

“For the record…” Remaining on her tiptoes, her eyes flutter open, and she smiles up at him. “...I DO love you.”

“I know. I’m not quite sure what I ever did to deserve it, and sometimes I wonder if you’ve lost every ounce of your sanity, and that’s why you stick around, but…” His hands move upwards, the simple movement causing pain in the surgically repaired left shoulder. But he successfully bites back the wince, refusing to allow his broken yet healing body to ruin the moment as he cradles her face in his palms. “...I do know it. And I love you. Even when I’m giving you a hard time.”

“It’s part of your charm. I think.”

“So what’s going to happen when you put that surprise 0n and things don’t work properly? On my end.”

“It’s not that it NEVER works. It’s just that it’s hit or miss.”

“We’ve never actually tried…THAT.”

“But we’ve tried other things. With a forty percent success rate. That’s pretty damn good, considering what you’ve been through and all the drugs you’ve got in ya. And maybe being away from here will be just what you need; to get those numbers up even higher. Once we’re home, you’ll be totally relaxed and not worrying about anyone wandering in.”

“But…”

“But, we deal with it when it happens. IF it happens. Like I told you and SHOWN you, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”

“.If you even dare bring out sex toys or even think about putting Viagra in my coffee…”

“I’m not going to put it in your coffee. I’m going to put it in your scrambled eggs.”

“Joke’s on you. I only eat fried.”

“I will be patient and understanding and let the problem…the ISSUE…work itself out. It isn’t permanent, Tyler. All the doctors have told you that. It’s just how you're responding to everything. You were clinically dead nine months ago; your body is still healing, and some things are misfiring along the way. And you’ve got enough meds in you to knock out a horse, so…” She presses a kiss to the underside of his chin. “Are you nervous?”

“About my dick not working properly for the rest of my life? Yes.”

“I mean about us. Building a life together. Does that spook you, too?”

“Not for the reason you think. You think it’s something to do with you.”

“It’s crossed my mind; that maybe you’re having second thoughts. About me. As a person.”

“I’ve never had any second thoughts when it comes to you. It’s all me. And my issues. The last time I lived with someone, it didn’t end very well. And I was the main reason.”

“Things hadn’t been good for a while,” she reminds him. “Long before your son got sick. And both you AND her were to blame for that.”

“She deserved a lot better than what I gave her. I had no business getting married. Not when I was totally committed to the military. She was always second. And she always would be. If we’d stayed together.” . “Do you wish you had? Stayed together?”

“No. It happened for a reason. All of it. Had our marriage been healthier and had my boy not gotten sick, I never would have gotten into the job, and I never would have crossed paths with Nik. Which means I never would have met you. And I wouldn’t give that…YOU… up for anything. Or anyone.”

Tears well in her eyes. “And to think, legend says you’re a man of few words.”

“Guess the ones I DO say are worth it.”

“I’m nervous too. For the same reason you are. I don’t exactly have the best track record, either.”

“None of that was your fault. What happened with Mark. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I should have left sooner. But I kept going back. I kept believing all his bullshit and all his promises. No matter how many times he hurt me. And where did I end up? Where did being a stupid little girl lead me?”

“To this fucked up circle we’re both caught up in. It led you to Nik. To me. I don’t think you did too bad.”

“I’ve definitely traded up, that’s for sure.”

“I’m not him, Esme. I know it’s easy for me to say and not so easy for you to believe. But I’m not. I never will be. We’re gonna be alright.” The pads of his thumbs skim along the tops of her cheeks. “If we can get through the past nine months, we can get through anything. I’m sure of it.”

Turning her face up for another kiss, her hand tightly grips the back of his neck. It’s an addiction: the taste of his mouth, the smell of his skin, the press of his body against hers. No one has ever made her feel that way before; so overwhelmed by not only love and adoration but animalistic want and need. And she gives a mewl of disappointment when the moment comes to an abrupt end; interrupted by the sound of heels clicking along the tiles, followed by the clearing of a throat.

“Is that all the two of you do?” Yaz grumbles as he follows behind his sister, dutifully pushing an empty wheelchair. “I swear, every time we walk in here, you’re all over each other. Can’t you wait until you’re alone?”

“Can’t YOU knock?” Esme retorts, as she slips out from between Tyler and the bed and greets both her friends with warm, tight hugs and kisses on the cheek.

“He’s just jealous that no one kisses him like that,” Nik takes a cheap yet teasing shot at her younger brother. “Or even wants to.”

“There’s a lot of people that want to!” Yaz angrily informs her. “I just don’t want to kiss them! Have you ever thought of that? And how do you know what I do and don’t do? I could be doing a lot of things…a lot of PEOPLE…and….”

“And what? And nothing. Of course I know what you’re up to. We live together. Your room is across from mine. Not to mention the walls are thin. No one is buying what you’re trying to sell, lonely boy.”

Scowling, Yaz mumbles a string of profanities and insults in both Arabic and French and then purposefully steers the wheelchair over his sister’s foot.

“What’s up with your shirt?” Tyler lays the end of his cane against Yaz’s torso, eyeing the monstrosity with the utmost disgust. “Lose a bet or something?”

“You don’t like it?”

“No.”

“I’ll get you one. What’s your size? Forty-four regular?” Reaching out, Yaz playfully squeezes one of Tyler’s biceps. “You’re a little bit slimmer, no?”

“Shut up.”

“I missed you, too.”

“Valentino?” Esme fingers the item in question, giving a nod of appreciation and a low, impressed whistle as she studies the sea of colours and the unique pattern. “Get him one. He won’t wear it, but I will.”

Tyler frowns, his nose wrinkled in disgust. “Not if we’re out in public together, you won’t.”

Scoffing, she picks up a discarded sling and slaps him in the stomach with it. “Like you actually have a say in it.”

“Your life is no longer your own,” Nik informs him, as she helps him into the sling, ignoring the mumbles of protest and the profanities he spews in the process. “Your bachelor days are over. Now you have someone telling you what to do and when to do it.”

“Which is exactly what he needs,” Yaz adds. “It’ll do him some good. Have someone around to keep him on his toes. Hold him accountable for his bullshit.”

“You realize I can hear you, yeah?”

“You’re going to have someone cooking and cleaning for you and…”

“Hey!” Esme objects. “I never said anything about cooking and cleaning. I’m useful in many ways. But those are NOT two of them.”

“She’s already told me she can’t cook for shit. Apparently, she kept sweaters in her stove. When she lived in Prague.”

“The closets weren’t big enough,” she explains. “And I CAN cook. I’m just not any good at it”

“It’s going to be the blind leading the blind,” Nik chides. “This should end well. Who kills who first is what I’m wondering.”

“He’ll drive me to the brink of a mental breakdown before either of us has a chance to resort to homicide,” Esme informs her, and playfully pinches Tyler’s side. “He’s been testing the limits of my patience since he woke up this morning.”

“I warned you. As soon as you started talking about this whole living together thing. I told you he was difficult. That you had no idea what you were getting yourself into.”

“He’s just anxious to get out of here,” Yaz reasons. “I mean, do you blame him? Not everyone gets to take their favourite nurse home with them. I heard you give really good sponge baths. With a little something extra thrown in. A happy ending. VERY happy one, actually.”

“Jesus….” Nik shakes her head. “...Yaz…”

Tyler frowns. “You weren’t supposed to repeat that.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment,” Esme assures him, then nods at the wheelchair. “Sit.”

“Why?”

“This is your ticket to freedom!” Yaz manoeuvres the apparatus behind his old friend. “We’re breaking you lose!”

“I can walk.”

Esme sets the brakes on the chair. “You know that. And we know that. Even the doctors and nurses know that. But the hospital says this is how it has to be. So you either leave this way, or you stay here forever.”

“That’s stupid.”

“I don’t make the rules, babe. But unfortunately, I’m the bad guy that has to enforce them.”

“And you say I’ve been testing YOUR patience?”

“You’d miss me if I weren’t around, giving you a foot up the ass every now and then.”

Wrapping both arms around one of his, she keeps a firm hold as he slowly lowers himself into the waiting chair. And while her much smaller and lighter frame would offer no real assistance if he were to slip or lose his balance, it still gives him a sense of security. Further proof that she is indeed his ‘safe place’; the one person that he feels most comfortable with and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and needy in front of. Far stronger and mightier than he ever could have anticipated when they’d first met. A tiny and seemingly weak woman who is anything BUT.

And a total pain in his ass at times.

“You’re looking good,” Yaz praises, as he collects the duffle bag and a lone suitcase. “You clean up nice. I’m kind of disappointed, though; I thought for sure you’d do something different with the hair.”

“She wouldn’t let me. I was going to tell the barber to just shave it all off so I could start over again, but…”

“I would have had to kill both of them,” Esme finishes, and combs her fingers through his longer top tresses. “It suits you. It’s the perfect haircut. My absolute favourite.”

“You haven’t seen my hair any other way. So how do you know this is your favourite?”

“Well, I’ve already had the best, right? So why settle for anything else.”

“You’re difficult. You know that, yeah?”

“Mmmhmm.” Moving to stand behind the wheelchair, she tugs affectionately at his ears, then leans down to press a kiss to his temple. “You ready?”

Nodding, he turns his face into hers, lips meeting the corner of her mouth. “As I’ll ever be.”

*****

The cabin is nestled in an isolated valley miles above sea level. Miles away from neighbours and the tiny ‘downtown’ area, it’s nothing but a mere speck of wood, brick, and cedar shingles swallowed by a sea, spruce, and fir trees. Its front door mere steps from one of the many lakes in the region; the crystal clear waters now snow-covered, their abundance of fish gathered somewhere under feet of thick, smooth ice. Across the expanse of land lays the base of the Grunberg mountain range; more feral and isolated than its many counterparts in the Gmunden region, but still a ‘must see’ for both tourists and those who enjoy its more difficult -and sometimes perilous- hiking trails. Yet despite all the beauty -in its most raw and pure forms- he’s not been able to notice anything outside the rental car; instead, he's too caught up in watching and listening to Esme as she sits behind him. A woman who was born and raised in Colorado and whose family home sits less than five hundred metres from the base of the Rockies, she’s like a kid on Christmas morning. With each turn the tires make on their climb, her reactions grow in glee and intensity: the sighs of enjoyment, the gasps of awe, and the way she clasps her hands together and bounces up and down in her seat.

It's that experience that he finds himself enthralled by, emotion choking at him as tears prick at his eyes. After being so fearless and strong over the course of the past nine months, she suddenly exudes an almost childlike innocence. So completely caught up in the moment that everything else around her has ceased to exist; she has found a slice of heaven, and she isn't missing a single second. This tiny and fierce woman who has been through so much heartache and brutality in her life yet refuses to lose an ounce of her spirit. Somehow still able to see and appreciate all of the beauty around her and experience things with such passion and wide-eyed wonder. And he's never seen anything more beautiful.

He’s out of the car and at her door before she even has the chance to open it. It’s all about the smallest of gestures right now; having to partake in less strenuous moments and activities in order not to inflict more wear and tears on his still-healing body. His strength and stamina are still not where he had hoped they would be; still teetering on the edge of sixty percent and increasing at an extremely slow pace. But she appreciates even the smallest of gestures and the effort behind them; her tiny hand fitting so perfectly into his much larger, more powerful one as she allows him to help her out of the vehicle.

“Look at it!” She gushes, as her fingers push through his, and tucks herself into him. Their joined hands resting against her stomach as they take in their surroundings; the pristine white of the snow and the lush green of the trees, and the slivers of sun that attempt to sneak through thick, gray clouds. The air so fresh and crisp it burns their lungs; a welcome and refreshing pain after months of breathing in stale, hospital air and the combination of antiseptic, sickness, and cleaning solution.

And death. Lots of death.

Esme gives an excited bounce on her heels, then tilts her head back and beams up at him. “Isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t it PERFECT?!”

“Even better than the pictures. So what is this, Nik? A rental? Lease to own? It can’t be one of yours. This is slumming to you.”

“Consider it a gift. From Yaz and I. It’s the least we could do. Considering…” Her voice trails off; the wounds caused by Mahajan’s betrayal still raw and fresh. The failure to receive full payment pales in comparison to the real damage done; the heavy burden of both physical and mental trauma that the main players will carry with them for weeks and months. Maybe years.

Perhaps even forever.

“Did you bring my chickens?” He inquires, as they follow Nik and Yaz to the cabin; Esme offering what little support she can as she snakes an arm around his waist and places her free hand on his stomach. The queen of the ‘simple gesture’; desperately wanting and needing to help and someone finding even the tiniest and most mundane of ways to do it. And it feeds directly into her love language; an almost overwhelming desire to touch and BE touched. Starved of real love and genuine affection for so long that seeking it out has become a near obsession. And although he’s been touch starved for just as long and is still trying to adjust to her level of neediness, it’s an obsession that he’s more than willing to nurture.

Reaching into her jacket pocket, Nik fishes out the keys to the front door. “We ate them.”

“What about my dog?”

Yaz sets the suitcase on the porch and drops the duffle bag into one of the empty deck chairs. “We ate her too.”

“Jesus…” his sister grumbles. “...Yaz…”

“I’m kidding. She’s in the house.”

“So…” Tyler shifts his weight from one foot to the other, wincing at the pain that settles deep in the right knee. “... what are we supposed to do now?”

Esme shrugs. “Anything we want, I guess.”

“I mean, you could go on hikes. Learn to knit. Try to reach mindfulness,” Yaz suggests, then gives a small shrug. “You’re going to like it here. Alright, brother…” Lightly punching Tyler in the left shoulder, he turns to head for the car. “...I’ll send you that shirt!”

“Hold up!” Esme calls out, then gives Tyler’s side a squeeze before hurrying after her friend. “I forgot something!”

He watches her as she goes. The way those tiny feet shuffle through the snow and over the ice that lies below. The bottom of her ponytail, the ‘strings’ that dangle from the sides of her colourful wool beanie, and the pom-pom on top swaying and bouncing with every single step. And for a brief moment, panic and uneasiness set in; the irrational fear that she’s going to simply climb in the car and take off. Leaving him all alone in the middle of nowhere.

Even more tarnished and broken than when she’d found him. And he’s only moments away from chasing after her when Nik captures his attention, jamming the corner of a small cardboard box into his stomach.

“What’s this?”

“We packed up your house. That’s all we found. Your entire life fits inside one little box. Maybe it’s time to change that.”

“I’ve already started.” He glances toward Esme and Yaz as they linger by the rental. The latter teasing the former about her flushed cheeks and nose, Esme playfully scowling and pouting in response. Catching her friend off guard when she affectionately ruffles his hair and then scoops up handfuls of snow and shoves them down the front of both Yaz’ jacket and sweater. As the younger man squeals and squirms and attempts to flee, her infamous giggle floats in the air and causes a smile to tug at the corners of Tyler’s mouth. The noise high-pitched and childish, yet somehow the most amazing goddamn thing he’s ever heard. “Get back to me in a couple of months. I bet there won’t be enough boxes in the world.”

“Be good to her. Treat her right. She deserves that. Especially after she’s been through.”

“She does deserve it. I’m not going to fuck this up, Nik. I refuse to.”

“Good. Because she has put everything she is and everything she has into you. She’s trusting you with her whole heart. And if you hurt her…”

“Not gonna happen.”

“And be gentle with her. As strong as she’s been, there’s a traumatized and scared little girl in there who needs to feel safe. Protected. And most importantly, she needs to feel loved.”

“Is there where you threaten to break every bone in my body if I do her wrong?”

“No. It’s where I threaten to break your face.”

Smirking, he watches as Nik makes her way toward the car; Esme and Yaz already exchanging a final hug and kisses on the cheeks. “When will we see you again?”

Her eyes and smile are softer than usual, possessing a level of finality that hits hard and extremely deep. “When we all have something to celebrate.”

“You’re going to love it here!” Yaz reassures him. “Enjoy your retirement!”

That word again. Retirement. Something that seems so foreign to him. He’d spent decades relying on his brawn, strength, and the skills he’d developed both in the military and then on the job. And now here he is, about to embark on an entirely different path; his body bruised and broken and completely unreliable.

The snow crunches under the soles of Esme’s boots as she scurries over; leaning her back against his front as they watch their friends depart. A now mittened hand waving the entire time; until the car reaches the end of the drive, makes a sharp left, and disappears from sight.

Tyler sighs.

She tilts her head back and peers up at him, concern beginning to diminish the sparkle in her eyes. “You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“It’s a big step. This is all really happening. You. Me. Us. It’s okay to admit you’re spooked.”

“Are YOU?”

“A little. What if you find out you don’t like me very much?”

“Not gonna happen.”

“I mean, it’s possible, you know. To love someone but not LIKE them.”

“Not gonna happen,” he sternly repeats, then leans down to peck the tip of her nose.

“Nik said she picked up some food. Enough to get us through a few days at least. That way we don’t have to rush; we don’t have to run into town right away and grab things. Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“Let’s go and see what she picked out. And get a fire started. Did I forget to mention that it’s heated by a fireplace? I think I forgot to mention that.”

“Yeah, you did.”

“Let’s go. Before the cold really starts to set in. It can’t be making your knee and your shoulder feel very good. So let’s….”

He stops her when she attempts to step away. Capturing a tiny, mittened hand in one of his and drawing her tightly against him; his back and surgically repaired knee cracking when he leans down to kiss her. And when he pulls away, he takes a moment to take it all in; the redness to her cheeks, the freckles that grace the bridge of her nose, and the errant snowflakes that nestle in her lashes.

“You’re beautiful.”

Her smile returns. The one that causes her eyes to sparkle and dance. That he’d fallen in love with almost nine months ago. He’d never admit it, of course, the things that he’d been feeling and experiencing from day one. Not out of embarrassment or shame, but because he doesn’t quite understand it himself. How you can be so head over in heels, so damn fast.

“Come on,” she says, still holding his hand as she steps away. “Let’s go home.”

[eatossolutions]

From Touchscreens to Table Service: The Role of Fast Food Automated Ordering Systems

Efficiency and speed are the names of the game within the busting fast-food universe. The past two to three years saw a kind of technological revolution brewing in the quick-service restaurant arena-fast food automated ordering systems. These fast food automated ordering systems, from self-serve kiosks to mobile apps, are redefining the customer experience and the face of operational efficiency. Let's dig into this savory growth and see just how automatic ordering is changing the fast food world one touchscreen at a time.

The History of Fast Food Automated Ordering Systems

Automatically ordering has become the in thing in the fast food industry: a mouth-watering marination of convenience and efficiency. Quickly, the consumers adapted to this new dispensation of ordering wherein control and swiftness are afforded. The restaurant owners and managers also view the adoption of the fast food automated ordering system as more than just following through with trends, and staying ahead of competition.

Quick, Personalized Orders in Your Pocket

The auto-process can now be seen as a system that lets customers view the menu, customize their food with personal preferences, and submit their orders without a cashier. This easy, linear process wipes out inaccuracies in orders and long queues, which would ultimately lead to a more delicious experience for customers.

Data-Driven Decisions for Smarter Management

Fast food automated ordering systems also yield a treasure of information, by which organizations can better know what their customers like during peak hours and what best-sellers they are serving. These also enable managers to make informed decisions about how to improve the menu and operational strategies.

Labor Optimization and Cost Savings

With the power of these systems to replace workers at order-taking stations with those who work in food preparation and customer service, restaurants can cut labor costs while working hard at what matters most: producing delectable food with a smile.

Serving Up Success: Thriving with the Perks of Automated Ordering in Fast Food

Going automated with an ordering system promises a mouthwatering array of benefits for both the customers and the restaurateur.

Reduced Wait Times, Increased Satisfaction

With self-ordering kiosks and apps, queues for the guests are reduced so that they can wait for a shorter period to enjoy the meal of their choice. This kind of speedy service equates to higher customer satisfaction and increased repeated orders.

A Feast of Options in Personalization

The user-friendly interface of automated systems enables me to personalize each meal easily while meeting the demand of people wanting specific meals. This is not only pleasing to the taste but also generates a connection to the brand.

Larger Orders, Sweeter Sales

The convenience and reduced social pressure let the guest splurge a little more, and this is just the icing on the cake for business revenues.

Less Human Error, More Relishing Reliability

Digital interfaces simplify ordering so that there is minimal scope for human error in communication and order entry; thereby, customers are always delivered their intended purchases, prepared as they like.

Yummy Tricks for an Automated Order System

Implementing an automated order system is the silver bullet for restaurant owners and managers. Here's a menu of top tips, for restaurant owners and managers looking to introduce the automated order system that will get it implemented correctly.

An Easy-to-Use Interface Is Key

When you're employing the automated system, you must ensure that the user interface is easy to use and intuitive. Access to place quicker orders is the magic formula for customer satisfaction.

Humans Meet Digital Service

Although automation has its perks, the human element should not be overlooked. Ensure adequate personnel are available to assist walk-in customers who need to be walked through this new technology.

Refresh Menu

Update your system regularly by adding new items, specials, and promotions. This will keep your menu interesting for return customers to come back and try some of the new dishes.

Helpful Loyalty Programs

Integrated loyalty programs promote repeat visits, using data collected through automated systems to target rewards and offers that would resonate with customer preferences.

Feeding the Future: Fast Food Automated Ordering and Beyond

It is, therefore, seemingly impossible for fast food chains as they continually strive to adapt to these technological systems. The avenues for growth and innovation are limitless. From improving customer engagement to pursuing new service models such as delivery and pickup, the fast food automated ordering system takes center stage in the industry's evolution.

Conclusion

The secret sauce for long-term success in the fast-food business might be embracing automated ordering systems. Far from being a fad or a move that is just a flash in the pan for restaurant operators and managers, embracing technology is an essential ingredient to their recipe for future success and delight of customers.

Hungry for innovation? Now is the time to transform your fast food business with a cutting-edge Automated Ordering System for Fast Food. Join the movement serving efficiency, boosting customer experience, and dishing out profits with eatOS. Leap and taste the future of fast food today!

[refrigeratorblogg]

Triple Door Refrigerators: A Spacious and Stylish Solution

Triple door refrigerators have gained popularity in recent years due to their spacious interior, convenient organization, and sleek design. With three separate compartments, these appliances offer a versatile and efficient storage solution for your kitchen.

Key Features of Triple Door Refrigerators

Three-Door Configuration: The triple door design allows for easy access to different temperature zones, making it convenient to store a variety of food items.

Spacious Interior: The larger capacity of triple door refrigerators provides ample space for storing bulk purchases, frozen items, and fresh produce.

Temperature Control: Each compartment can be set to a different temperature, ensuring optimal storage conditions for various types of food.

Flexible Storage Options: Many models come with adjustable shelves, drawers, and door bins, allowing you to customize the interior to suit your needs.

Energy Efficiency: Modern triple door refrigerators are often equipped with energy-saving features like frost-free technology and efficient compressors.

Sleek Design: The triple door design complements contemporary kitchen styles and can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Triple Door Refrigerator

Size and Capacity: Choose a refrigerator that is the right size for your household and storage needs. Consider the number of people in your family and your typical grocery shopping habits.

Temperature Zones: Determine how many temperature zones you require based on your storage needs. Some models offer three separate zones, while others may have a freezer compartment and two refrigerator compartments.

Features: Consider additional features like an ice maker, water dispenser, French door configuration, or fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.

Energy Efficiency: Look for models with energy-saving certifications like ENERGY STAR to help reduce your energy bills.

Price: Set a budget and compare prices from different brands and retailers to find the best value for your money.

Triple door refrigerators offer a spacious and stylish solution for those who require ample storage space. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find the perfect model to enhance your kitchen experience. Order at Poorvika for Exclusive Offers at Poorvika Now!

[vending-machines-australia]

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Whether at the office, in schools, or at busy transport hubs, having easy access to snacks, drinks, and other essentials can make a big difference in our day-to-day lives. Enter the automatic vending machine — a reliable solution for on-the-go snacking and quick purchases. If you’re looking to explore the best Automatic Vending Machine in Australia, you’ll find that modern vending machines have come a long way from the traditional snack dispensers. Today’s machines offer a variety of options, from healthy food and drinks to electronics, hygiene products, and more.

The Evolution of Vending Machines

Automatic vending machines have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to meet changing consumer demands and advancements in technology. Here are some of the key developments:

Smart Vending Technology: Modern vending machines are equipped with advanced technology such as touch screens, cashless payment systems, and remote monitoring. This makes transactions smoother and maintenance more efficient.

Diverse Product Offerings: While snacks and drinks remain popular, today’s machines can also dispense fresh food, coffee, hygiene products, electronics, and even PPE (personal protective equipment).

Sustainability Features: Many newer machines are energy-efficient and designed with sustainable materials, contributing to a greener vending experience.

Customizable Options: Businesses can customize machines to match their brand, select product ranges, and tailor the customer experience to suit specific needs.

Top Automatic Vending Machines in Australia

If you’re considering investing in an Automatic Vending Machine in Australia, it’s important to choose a model that aligns with your business goals and consumer preferences. Here’s a look at some of the top types of vending machines available:

1. Traditional Snack and Drink Vending Machines

These machines remain the most popular choice for businesses, offices, and public spaces. They offer a wide variety of chips, chocolates, soft drinks, and water, making them a convenient solution for high-traffic areas.

Best For: Offices, schools, retail spaces, and public transport hubs.

Popular Brands: Ausbox, SVA Vending, and Vendpro.

2. Healthy Food Vending Machines

As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for healthier vending options has grown. Healthy food vending machines offer snacks such as nuts, protein bars, fruit, and smoothies, as well as low-calorie beverages.

Best For: Gyms, fitness centers, health clinics, and educational institutions.

Popular Brands: MVM Healthy Vending, Fresh2Go Vending, and Snackwise.

3. Hot Beverage Vending Machines

Perfect for busy workplaces or public areas, hot beverage vending machines can dispense a variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more. These machines often feature customizable options for different tastes and preferences.

Best For: Offices, waiting rooms, universities, and hospitals.

Popular Brands: Necta, Crane National, and Lavazza Professional.

4. Specialty Vending Machines

These machines are tailored to dispense unique products such as electronics, hygiene supplies, cosmetics, or even PPE like masks and sanitizers. Specialty vending machines are ideal for locations with specific needs, such as airports, hotels, and large retail stores.

Best For: Airports, hotels, and corporate offices.

Popular Brands: VendSmart, U Select It, and Vendi.

5. Combination Vending Machines

For locations that need to offer a mix of snacks, drinks, and fresh food, combination vending machines are the perfect solution. These machines can hold a variety of items, allowing businesses to provide diverse choices without requiring multiple machines.

Best For: Office break rooms, recreational centers, and large retail complexes.

Popular Brands: Seaga, Royal Vendors, and Combo Max.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Automatic Vending Machine in Australia

Selecting the right Automatic Vending Machine in Australia involves more than just choosing a product type. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Location and Space Requirements: Consider the size of the machine and the available space. Some locations may benefit from compact machines, while others can accommodate larger models with extensive product offerings.

Payment Options: Ensure the machine supports various payment methods, including coins, notes, card payments, and even mobile options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Product Capacity: Choose a machine that can hold enough products to meet demand, reducing the need for frequent restocking.

Energy Efficiency: Look for machines with energy-saving features to keep operating costs low.

Customization and Branding: If you’re looking to reinforce your brand, select a machine that can be customized with your company’s logo, colors, and messaging.

Maintenance and Support: Consider ongoing support and maintenance requirements. Partnering with a reliable vending machine supplier in Australia ensures that technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

For further information- https://www.vendingmachines.com.au/

[cleanservice23]

Professional glass cleaning service in Dhaka for sparkling windows and interiors

When it comes to maintaining a pristine environment, spotless glass windows, doors, and interiors play a vital role. At our best glass cleaning service in Dhaka, we specialize in providing top-quality cleaning solutions that leave your glass surfaces shining and streak-free. Whether it’s your home, office, or commercial space, our expert team is trained to handle any glass surface with care and precision.

We understand that glass can accumulate dust, grime, and water stains over time, diminishing the overall appearance of your property. That’s why we use eco-friendly cleaning products and advanced techniques to remove dirt and restore the clarity and shine of your glass surfaces.

Our glass cleaning service include:

Window Glass Cleaning: We clean both interior and exterior glass windows, guaranteeing a clear, unhampered view.

Glass Entryway Cleaning: From entrance entryways to sliding glass allotments, we expel smears, fingerprints, and tidy buildup.

Sky-facing window and high-rise window cleaning: With proficient gear, we offer secure and successful cleaning for sky facing windows and high-rise windows.

Glass Furniture Cleaning: We handle sensitive glass tabletops, racks, and enriching glass with master care.

Shower walled in area Cleaning: We dispense with water stains, cleanser rubbish, and other buildups from glass shower entryways.

Improve the clarity and brightness of your property with our trusted glass cleaning service in Dhaka. Whether for private or commercial properties, we are committed to conveying the most elevated measures of cleaning that make your glass surfaces look brand new.

Contact us nowadays to plan your glass cleaning service and appreciate shining clean windows, entryways, and more!