His Family

Arty just nodded. But Erend could see a tremor in her hand holding the small bucket.

Arty pressed her lips together. As if trying to suppress her feelings so they don't come out.

Erend walked closer to his sister. The smile was still on his face.

"You are okay?" Erend asked while placing his hand on Arty's head. "It's alright, now."

Arty took a deep breath. It was as if she was relieved to see Erend here.

"Come on in," Arty said.

Erend nodded and the two of them entered their shoddy house.

Inside there the smell of cooking had come and reached Erend's nose.

"Mom, Erend is home!" Arty shouted as she walked into her room.

Footsteps sounded hurried. Then the figure of a woman appeared from the kitchen. Her warm smile greeted Erend.

The woman's eyes filled with tears when she saw the return of her eldest son.