Later that year, with the blessings of Astanna, Khará gave birth to a healthy boy and made Eira a proud grandmother.
- Look! Khará said enthusiastically, he is trying to talk!
- Haha! I think it might be just a burp coming, Eira pointed out, but he for sure he looks adorable!
- He has his grandfather's nose don't you think?
- I can see a certain resemblance, that's true.
- I can't wait to show him to my father, Samuel said.
- So, you have decided to move to Kastanea, then? Eira felt her heart sink.
- No, no! On the contrary! We have decided to stay here in Manthos, but father has decided to retire, and will come to stay with us. Permanently.
- Oh that's great news! Eira couldn't hide her joy. I'm so happy for you!
- What are you rooting for the most, mother? Khará whispered, Me not leaving, or that my father-in-law is coming to Manthos?
- Don't be silly...
- I'm just teasing you. It's obvious that you like him a lot.
- I do like him, that's true, Eira admitted, but I would never do anything that could make you and Samuel uncomfortable, I hope you know that?
- I just want you to be happy mother, honestly. Do exactly what your heart ...
- BURRRP!!
- My son! Have you no shame? Khará laughed. And in front of your giagia! What will she think of you!?
- GLLUUGG!
A few weeks later Yousif arrived in Manthos, and came by to see Eira.
- Please forgive me if I'm impudent, Kyria Eira, but I had to come back. Because of you.
- But surly the reason for coming back to Manthos were your family? Your son and grandson?
- Of course that was important too, but I must be honest: I missed you more than I thought I would. I have friends in Kastanea, but I felt lonely. It was making me physically ill.
- Really? Eira felt worried for Yousif and a bit excited at the same time.
- I didn't even enjoy my work! It seemed so trivial and pointless. I just knew I had to see you again. I know I'm not that much of a catch, I'm probably too old for you, I'm not smart like your husband was, and not very handsome either. And yes, I am unemployed and live at the mercy of my son!
- That's without a doubt the worst pitch for a relationship I've ever heard, Eira had to laugh. You know, I almost sent you a message, begging you to come back.
- You did? But why!?
- Because I missed you too, stupid! Okay, so I can see now that you are right about not being smart!
- I told you so!
They both laughed, and the tension that had been in the room earlier disappeared.
- I like you a lot, Yousif. But I'm not a brave woman. I think it's complicated. At our age and everything. With my daughter and your son being married. What if it doesn't work out between us? Wouldn't that make things really awkward? And I really don't want to be the target of gossip. I've always hated it.
- I can see that. It wouldn't affect me that much I think, since I don't know a lot of people here, but I understand. So why don't we take it slow? Get to know each other, become friends. And then we will see. What do you think?
- I would love that, Eira smiled, then frowned. I take it back.
- What?
- You are in fact quite smart. And not bad looking either. For an old man.
- Kyria Eira! I think you are flirting with me! Have you got no shame?
- No, not really!
.
Previous | Index | Character overview | Next
