When Vivi's mother gently rubbed his hair, Auren felt a sudden heaviness in his heart. He tried hard not to burst into tears. In that tender moment, his mother's smiling face appeared in his mind — soft, warm, and distant. He clenched his chest emotionally, doing his best to hold it all inside.
Ravi clapped his hands together and said, "Now, let's enjoy our meal."
Vivi's mother smiled, "Yes, of course."
Everyone sat at the table. Vivi brought a wooden jug of juice, beautifully painted with little birds. Her mother carefully served food onto Auren's plate.
But just as the meal began, Auren felt something… heavy. Something that pulled at his chest again.
****
After finishing his meal, Auren stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you… for the food."
Ravi smiled. "You can stay here if you like. We still have two days before reaching Baku City. Until then, spend some time with us."
