Let’s go

She eagerly pointed out the way, her voice filled with animated chatter about the village, her family, and various details about her life. It was clear that her mind was racing, trying to come up with a plausible story to explain his presence to her family.

"Don't worry,"

She assured him, her tone becoming more serious. 

"I'll tell my family that you're my friend and that you came to visit me while on your way to some work."

She seemed to be concocting a plan as she spoke, trying to make sure everything would go smoothly when they arrived.

Soon enough, they reached a small, one-story house that looked cosy and well-kept. It was still early in the evening, and there wasn't anyone in sight. She quickly got off the bike and motioned for John to do the same, her excitement not dimming in the slightest.

"Let's go,"

She urged, checking her dress and straightening up as she led the way toward the house. John, feeling increasingly awkward, followed her to the door. They stepped inside, and he was immediately struck by how clean and welcoming the interior was. The modest home radiated a warmth that put him slightly at ease, despite the lingering discomfort of being a guest in a stranger's home.

As they entered, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease, but her infectious enthusiasm and the genuine warmth of the place began to chip away at his reservations. And though the situation was far from what he had expected when he set out on his journey, he couldn't help but feel that, perhaps, he had found a place where he could finally rest, if only for a night.

"Mom, meet my friend John."

Jina chirped as she entered the cosy kitchen, where a middle-aged woman was bustling about, preparing dinner. The woman, Jina's mother, was a stark contrast to her daughter, plump with a soft, round face that exuded warmth, and her ample figure, especially her generous bosom, gave her the appearance of a quintessential, nurturing mother. She looked up from her work, her hands busy with a dishcloth soaked from the kitchen sink, and her eyes settled on John. A faint smile crept across her lips, a mixture of curiosity and welcome.

"Hello, John."

She greeted him, her voice warm and inviting as she continued to dry her hands on the damp cloth.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm sorry to disturb you at this time."

John responded, his tone polite and respectful. He felt slightly awkward, a guest in a stranger's home, and hoped his presence wasn't too much of an inconvenience.

"It's no trouble at all, but I don't think I've ever heard Jina mention you before,"

She remarked, turning her gaze to her daughter with a hint of curiosity. It wasn't like Jina to keep friends, especially male ones, a secret from her mother.

Jina hesitated for a moment, a slight nervousness flickering in her eyes.

"I met him a year ago when he came to visit our village. We became friends then,"

She lied smoothly, though the faint tremor in her voice betrayed her uncertainty.

"Oh, I see."

Her mother replied, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.

"Are you here for work again?"

She asked, directing her attention back to John as she moved to sit at the dining table. She gestured for John to take a seat beside her.

"Yes, ma'am,"

John replied as he took a seat, grateful for her hospitality.

"This time, I'm visiting the village that was recently struck by a disaster."

Her mother paused for a moment, her brows knitting together in concern.

"You mean the village that was hit by that natural disaster not too long ago?"

She asked, her voice tinged with worry.

John nodded, offering her a reassuring smile.

"Yes, that's the one,"

He confirmed.

Her concern deepened, and she looked at him with a mixture of surprise and scepticism.

"Are you working for the government or something?"

She inquired, clearly puzzled by why someone so young would be involved in such a situation.

"No, ma'am,"

John said, shaking his head.

"I'm not with the government. I just want to do what I can to help the people who were affected."

"That sounds very noble, but isn't it dangerous? How can you go there alone?"

Her mother's voice was filled with alarm as she expressed her concern for his safety.

John appreciated her worry, but was quick to reassure her.

"There are a lot of people going to help. It's not as dangerous as it might seem. Please don't worry about it,"

He said, trying to ease her fears with a calm demeanour.

Her scepticism lingered.

"How do you know that for sure?"

She asked, still not entirely convinced.

John hesitated briefly before answering, unsure of how much to reveal.

"Well, I hired some people to assist with the relief efforts. They're already on their way,"

He explained, hoping this would put her mind at ease.