341 SS2 08: The Give and Take

"Hi, Eve." Russell bowed his head slightly in the presence of his oldest daughter. His hands shaking, he held onto Ede's shoulders to hide them. "How have you been?"

Eve watched her dad carefully. He smiled without showing his teeth. She suspected they had darkened over time from smoking. Other than wrinkles, his face had become sunken, especially the area around his eyes.

"Hi… dad," she replied with some reluctance. "I've been well. Come here, Ede."

Her youngest sister walked over to her side at once. Russell had no choice but to his trembling hands behind his back. A stiff chuckle came out of his mouth. "Uh, aren't you… going to introduce me?"

"Dad, this is Ambryan. Ambryan, this is my father." 

"Nice to see you," Ambryan greeted out of politeness. He took a step forward, as if ready to get in between the family if needed. "What brings you to Maize City?"