After Five Years
I wasn't afraid or weary of the length of the road as long as I didn’t have to walk it alone.
The sky had darkened by the time the pick-up we were in finally stopped in front of Bu Narti's house. Dim lights from the surrounding homes welcomed us, and the sound of crickets began to fill the night. I jumped down more slowly than Julien, still feeling weak even though my body was a bit stronger after eating on the way.
As soon as my feet touched the ground, a faint yet piercing cry greeted me.
"Mom… where's Mom? I want Mom…" a small voice called from the porch. Ratna, Bu Narti's daughter, around seven years old, stood hugging a worn-out pillow. Her face was wet with tears, and her body trembled