This Is Home

In the cover of darkness, she would not have been able to see the occupants who were hiding. But before she stepped foot through the door, she could sense their presence. There was more than one. Maybe ten or more. 

But what surprised Laina more, was the fact that all of them were children. Most of them looked to be under the age of twelve. But a few of them looked to be in their teens. The flickering flames she summoned lit up the room. 

It revealed each and every one of their faces for her to see. But Laina was greeted with silence. 

"Good evening," she made a second attempt to break the awkward silence with little success. 

All of them were staring at Laina in silence. None of them dare to speak. 

She folded her arms, "Well that's rude. When someone greets you, it's only right to reciprocate a greeting, don't you think?"

"Good evening," someone muttered from the back of the room. 

"Thank you," Laina said with a smile.