Two demi-human children, Emma and Evan, were standing in front of the deserted Herbs & Lotions while holding hands. With their small steps, they inched closer to the store's clear window and looked inside, hoping to find their beloved brother Alf. But, no matter how long they searched for his figure, the person was no where to be found...
""...Nobody…"" the two sighed, feeling dejected.
It had been five -long- days since brother Alf left this small store of his to acquire materials needed to make additional two hundreds Greater Grade Potions. The children only knew potions were great, it cured their mother. But, other than that simple impression, they had no further knowledge about potions, like how much time needed to make one.
But, one thing they did understand was that they were lonely without him around.
Before, they used to play between just the two of them, that was fine, because their mother was doing as best as she could working to provide for them, and they did not want to bother her. However, in the last two weeks, more or less, they had grown attached to brother Alf.
At the beginning, it was purely because he often made delicious foods or snacks, and shared it with them. After he cured their mother -for free- he became someone they respected. Their feeling grew stronger after he enthusiastically taught them how to read and write.
"Evan, brother Alf, will be back, right?" asked Emma to her younger twin brother.
"He will, I mean, he needs to check our homework, right?" replied Evan to his older twin sister.
"Evan, what, if, he, doesn't return?" Emma gave another question. Though, this time, a pessimistic tone could be felt by her brother.
"But, he promised to teach us numbers and calculation! So, he needs to come back to do that, right?" answered Evan in an anguished tone, convincing himself that brother Alf would be back.
Regardless, deep down in their heart, the twins knew brother Alf was not related to them. And, basically, did not have any obligation to take care of them further. Realizing this fact, the two hung their heads down, dispirited. At the very least, if he really wanted to leave, they wanted to have proper good byes....
---"Hey, you two, it has been a while" said someone suddenly from behind them.
Their ears immediately stood up after hearing that tender voice, seizing their whole attention. They would never mistake it with someone else's voice.
""Brother Al….Gyaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!"" the two turned around to greet him. Yet, were flabbergasted after seeing Alfraed's messy hair and outfit that was decorated with rips. Moreover, the two could see what seemed to be dried blood in the ripped part.
"W-what happened??!!"
"A-are you okay??!!"
Their shocked and worried reactions were similarly adorable, and their issued questions even complimented one another.
"Ah, these, well, a lot happened. Sorry for startling you"
Alfraed gave them a vague answer accompanied by a wry smile. He did not want to talk about the peculiar incident in the shrine ruin which almost ended his life, especially not to these lovely children.
The process of gathering materials for making potions was accompanied by dangers, and how potion makers overcame these dangers determined the overall costs of the potions they made and possible profit margin. Alfraed handled everything by himself. So, each product he made had thick margin.
"Anyway, I'm going to wash myself and change cloth. Then, eat"
"Are you going to cook brother Alf?" asked the fox girl, showing expectant eyes for the chance to be able to taste his cooking again.
"No, not this time. I'm going to eat somewhere else. Let's eat together. My treat. I'm famished"
""Okay!""
While Alfraed took a well-deserved shower to clean his body, the two waited inside the store, sat on their favorite chairs in front of the counter, and explore the store's interior. Not even a week had passed, but it felt like they had not been in this comfortable place for a long time. After Alfraed was ready, the three of them went to nearby diner to have afternoon meals.
Alfraed had tons of things to do, and so little time for it. But, the first priority right now was to fill his unfilled stomach. Otherwise, he would not have enough nutrition to carry out of his next actions.
-------
Emma and Evan were heading home with light, cheerful steps while crooning song taught to them by their mother. At the same time, Alfraed was following behind them, accompanying the twins until they reached their address, while holding what appeared to be a take out.
When they were eating in the diner, Alfraed ordered a serving of avocado toast with shaved hard boiled eggs, salt, and pepper for his first meal. The second meal was sliced grilled chicken , glazed with the diner's signature sauce, served with steamed rice and vegetables. And, accompanied by his favorite hot milk tea.
The children were having the same rice with light and crispy chicken tossed in orange sauce, and chocolate milk. However, after some time, Alfraed noticed the two only ate half of their food.
""…We want to give the other half to mother""
Were their answer when Alfraed asked if they did not like the foods. Truth be told, he honestly did not expect that kind of thoughtful answer was possible from someone so young.
'In hindsight, they always brought back home my cooking. So, it was for their mother?'
At their age, he knew for certain that he did not have such caring disposition.
"Just finish your foods. I'll buy another one for your mother"
""Really??""
Likewise, the children also did not expect a kind answer like that to reach their ears. Despite their sharp hearing, they wondered if they heard it correctly.
"Yes, really. Now, finish the foods, children should eat plenty so they can grow taller and healthier"
'And happier' he added in his mind…
""Thank you brother Alf. We'll finish the foods!""
Emma and Evan were thrilled by Alfraed's words, and they ate heartily until nothing was left on their plates since a burden had been lifted from their minds at the moment.