CHAPTER 4

The elderly couple greeted me without questioning me as to why I was running on the road or how I got blood on my clothes. Instead, they gave me a warm smile. I was relieved that I was not asked questions since I truly don't know how to respond to them effectively without frightening them.

The woman reassured me, possibly because they saw how frail I appeared, "You'll be safe here." She then gave me a warm smile. Her spouse placed an arm on her shoulder and did the same. 

"Please tell us your name, young lady.” Her lips moved a little.

I dropped my sight and hesitantly said, "A-Arllette Kimble."

She gave me a head pat.

She gestured with her hand, “You can call me Aunt Lany. He is Joseph. You can call him your uncle.”

My eyes started to water being glad that they were accepting me despite me being just a stranger. I cannot believe that after all the bullying and even killing that I have witnessed, there are still people like them. I guess, the world is not as evil as I once believed.

“T-thank you for accepting me.” I hesitated for a moment before saying, “A-Aunt Lany.” I shifted my gaze to her husband. “I am grateful, Uncle J-Joseph.”  I stuttered when I spoke their names since it seemed strange, especially since I had just met them.

I was surprised when she hugged me without hesitation in spite of the blood and dirt on my body. “Don't be a stranger, okay?” She patted my head once more. “We are now a family.”

Following that, I was unable to control my tears. She gave me a hug back as I grieved and mourned for all the people I had lost and for those who had found me. My life would not have been the same if that driver had not picked me up and brought me here.

After a brief introduction, they walk me to the room where I would be staying, which is unoccupied. Although it was modest, their home was better than ours. I wonder what has happened now to our house…those men had probably burned our house down. 

I was standing inside the room when I heard some soft knocks. When I opened the door, I found Aunt Lany with clothes in her hands. 

“Take these clothes of mine for now," she said, handing me items of clothing. "We don't have clothes for you yet," she said.

Even though I was hesitant, I accepted it. Now that I think about it, I also need to wash off the dirt and blood stains from my body. 

She gestured toward a door outside their room and said, "That's where our bathroom is.” 

“You are probably hungry, I have prepared some food at the table,” she added as she pointed to their dining table. “Please do eat after taking a bath.”

“Thank you,” I stated as I slightly bowed my head as a gratitude gesture. 

I remained there by myself for a while, holding some clothing as I processed everything. When I turned back to reality, I immediately proceeded to the restroom that she had earlier pointed out. It stood close to their room.  Since it is almost the middle of the night and Aunt Lany and Uncle Joseph were already in their room when I had a bath, I may assume that they are fast asleep. 

Since my body is covered in blood stains, I must admit that I am hesitant to enter their bathroom, but it would be more embarrassing if I were this filthy inside their home. 

It took hours to finish taking a bath. It was challenging to get the dried blood stains off of my body and my clothing. I ought to mention that I am pondering while taking a bath. 

I instantly left the bathroom and headed to the room that Aunt Lany had given me. I simply lay on the bed and thought about everything. Probably since it was my first time sleeping at a home other than ours, I had trouble falling asleep. But more so because I couldn't stop thinking about my wronged brother and father.

It was tragic, and I will carry the grief with me for the rest of my life. Funny how a human heart might be readily broken despite having no bones. Because no one ever sees it, it is the most difficult wound to recover from. When covered, wounds would only rot over time. Mine would undoubtedly rot for the rest of my life. 

I was unable to get any sleep that night. All I could do was contemplate my family who had been snatched from me. They were innocent, I believe that my father has reasons. 

I made the decision to get out of bed when the light came up. When I left the room, the elderly couple was still sleeping. There were only two rooms in their home, one of which was theirs and the other was where I was sleeping.

They have a simple living room, and just a few steps away is their dining room, which is just divided by a curtain. 

“You’re already awake,” those words made me jump out of surprise. It was Uncle Joseph behind me. 

I found him as I turned around; his eyelids were still swollen from sleep.

I politely nod, unsure of how to start a conversation.

He made his way over to their dining room's small table. “You didn't eat?” he said as he removed the food cover.

“I-I actually forgot,” I said. Actually, I skipped dinner yesterday because I was too embarrassed to them and I don't feel like eating.

"Treat us like your family, Arllette," he rubbed my head.

I bowed while averting my eyes. I was reminded of my father by his actions.

We become silent after that. Uncle Joseph walked straight to the sink where the dishes and cutlery are kept. 

I stood there and observed him getting cups. Coffee beans soon release a sweet and bitter aroma.

“Do you like coffee?” He asked.

I nodded in response to his drink's scent. After that, he gave me the second coffee mug. 

He spoke with a hint of delight in his voice, "You'll surely love this." His eyes lit up as he said those words.

He enjoys coffee just like my father.