As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange, Hector, the boys' father, and his two sons made their way back to the village. The walk had been filled with warm conversations and shared laughter, but there was a matter to attend to before the day's end and as promised by Hector's little one he had to apologise to the lady he had pranked today.
Hector, a kind and understanding father, looked at his elder son, Kael, with a gentle yet firm expression. "Kael," he began, his voice carrying a sense of responsibility with fatherly care, "you know what you need to do," he asked while lifting his eyebrows, hinting at his kid to answer.
"Yes Daddy", answered Kael who had his neck lowered a second time today, because he seemed to have forgotten the promise he made to his father, amid all the fun conversations they had walking back home.
Kael nodded, his face a mixture of remorse and sadness as he had done wrong, Above it was his brother, the one who complained about his mischievous act to their father. But little did he know that he had been the one to push his brother into the prank, and now he needed to make things right as an elder among the two, This was his responsibility.
Hesitantly, the younger boy, William, feeling guilty for his part in the prank but putting all the blame on his Older brother, stood aside and avoided eye contact with Kael. He took small glances at his Kael's face, looking at him once and then looking away immediately, Once they arrived home, He hurriedly rushed inside their small village house, wanting to be out of sight for a moment.
Looking at the back of his younger one running as fast as a bolt inside their house, Hector sighed understanding the situation, while Kael stood right beside his father waiting for him to tie Ustas under the shed they had for the horse and bringing food to him. While finishing his duty for his pet Hector kept looking at Kael who did not move from the spot, not even for a second, Hector smiled at the thought that his son knew how to stand for his promise.
After the work had been done Hector took a big jug and drew some water out of he barrel he had kept in lawn and washing his hands from the water, he said gently,
"Kael, son, Let us go". Kael only nodded to his father's order, the rest of the time he kept quiet. Hector rubbed and dried his hands on his pants, and brought his left hand forward for Kael to take it, The kid did the same and holding his hand, the father and son duo made their way to the neighbourhood.
Hector and Kael continued on their way to Mrs. Elmsworth's house. Mrs. Elmsworth was a kind and widowed neighbour, She was not an old woman but a very beautiful woman in her Thirties, who spent most of her time cooking, tending to her garden, and baking to earn a living by selling her delicious bread.
As the pair of father and son arrived at Mrs.Elmsworth's cosy cottage, they knocked gently on her door. From inside, her warm voice called out, "Who is there?" asking who had come to visit. As it was night and a single woman would always stay
Hector replied kindly, "It's us, Hector and Kael, Mrs.Elmsworth." he said and looked down at his kid, who was holding the hem of his shirt, wrapping the corner of fabric around his fingers, which had been pulled out of his strapped pants during horse ride.
Footsteps behind the door were clearly audible, the knob clicked, and the door opened, revealing Mrs.Elmsworth's in her evening white gown and a welcoming smile. She had already started preparing her evening meal, and the savoury aroma of home-cooked food filled the air. "Oh, Hector, Kael, please come in," she invited, drying her hand by the brown checkered apron she tied to her waist, gesturing for them to enter her humble home.
Inside Mrs.Neena Elmsworth's cosy cottage, the atmosphere was filled with the inviting scent of home-cooked food. Near the kitchen, In the middle of the living space, there was a small wooden dining table, which had plates with food for dinner, The table was decorated with a green hand-embroidered tablecloth that added a touch of grace to the room. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the rustic wooden walls, creating a warm and intimate ambience.
The cottage was charming, decorated with potted plants that lined the windowsills, their vibrant green leaves adding a splash of colour to the room. An assortment of herbs and spices hung from the ceiling, filling the air with delightful fragrances. The bookshelves were filled with well-loved volumes, evidence of Mrs.Elmsworth's love for reading and learning.
"Please join me for dinner", holding both sides of Kael's shoulder, she brought the child to the table, who spoke nothing but did not resist her loving touch, and kept his neck down all the time.
"Ahem..."Hector cleared his throat and still didn't hear anything from his son's mouth, furrowing his eyebrows, he closed his eyes, brought his hand up to his mouth covered it with a hollow fist, "Cough...Cough", 'Kael has not said a word, not even a squeak' he thought, suddenly his brain worked and he smiled looking down at his kid, He knelt down, held his child and hugged him. Kael's stiff shoulders became soft, and he melted in his father's embrace, "Kael?",
"Mmm?" the child hummed,
"Is it okay now?" Hector asked.
"yes, Daddy" Kael nodded as he answered his father.
Neena, who had been looking at this loving scene of father-son duo, felt warmth in her heart, but soon Hector's expression confused her. Hector looked at Kael, lifted his eyebrows and slightly tilted his head towards Neena.