Old past

Finally settling into our new home after the lengthy documentation process, Eric accompanied Chara to purchase basic necessities. While they were away, I found myself watching Joshua play with the neighboring children from the window. Seeing him laugh and run with his newfound friends evoked memories of my own childhood—a time filled with carefree adventures and innocent mischief. It was a stark contrast to the challenges we faced now, and I couldn't help but yearn for those simpler days.

Suddenly, Joshua's excited voice pierced through my thoughts, calling me to join him in a game of tag with his friends—Bruce, Clark, Chloe, and Barry. Eager to immerse myself in the joy of the moment, I eagerly joined in their playful antics. As we chased each other around, Joshua took a moment to introduce me to his new companions, sharing snippets of our stories in between breaths.

Barry, curious about our backgrounds, prompted Joshua to share his past—a tale of loss and resilience. Listening to him recount the tragic events of his life stirred a sense of empathy within me. I, too, felt compelled to share our journey—how our parents entrusted us to a caravan during the invasion, hoping to secure our safety. Eventually, we found ourselves here, seeking refuge in this town and making it our new home.

Though the children may not have fully comprehended the weight of our experiences, their childish sympathy was heartwarming. It was a reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there were still moments of genuine connection and compassion.

As the sun began to set, Clark's older sister interrupted our play, announcing that dinner was ready. With reluctance, the children dispersed, each heading home for the evening. Joshua and I made our way back to our own house, a sense of contentment settling over us. However, as we entered, I couldn't help but express my hope to Joshua that Eric would return with something more appetizing than the usual oats and barley. After all, a warm meal would be a comforting end to a day filled with both nostalgia and newfound camaraderie.