8

The figure of mother was frozen to a spot, eyes fixed on whatever was out there, and at once, I had pushed myself forward, going to have a look for myself, and only then was I struck with the shock that befallen her.

Right outside the porch, stood three figures, gazes shifting from mother to I, with a smile playing on their lips. Perhaps, a fake smile.

There stood Aunt Bertha, eyes beaming on at us, like that was the same expression it held the night she sent Mother and I out her home, stating she never wanted to be a feet close to us.

So, what then could it be that had brought her to this corner?

And that man she had welcomed into her home, the instigator. He remained stood close to her side, that quirky grin held on his lips, while his fingers went itching at his mustache.

“Hello, Nia” His voice still sent chills down my spine, with those intent fixed on me.

“What do you want?” Mother called sharply, inching nearer to them.

“Oh, is that the welcome we get to receive after hav