waking up to love

chapter 4

At the outskirts of the city, far removed from the restless hum of traffic and crowded streets, there stood a house—quiet, aging, and almost forgotten by time. The road leading to it was narrow and dusty, lined with scattered shrubs and curious onlookers who rarely saw strangers pass through.

The car slowed to a stop right in front of the house.

Vivian leaned forward from the back seat, her eyes scanning the building carefully. The walls were slightly worn, the paint faded, and the roof looked like it had weathered more seasons than she could count.

“Mom… is this the house?” she asked, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

Her mother nodded calmly as she stepped out of the car. “Yes, Vivian. This is it.”

Vivian remained seated for a moment, still taking it all in. “This old house?” she muttered under her breath.

Her mother shot her a look. “Will you get down before you start complaining?”

Vivian quickly raised both hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! Hands in the air. I haven’t said anything serious yet.”

She stepped out reluctantly, brushing invisible dust off her clothes as she looked around again. “Well,” she added with a small shrug, “I can’t really carry anything here. This environment is not exactly… welcoming.”

Her mother let out a short laugh. “Oh, so suddenly your hands are not working?”

Vivian grinned. “They are working, but not for heavy lifting.”

Just then, a group of children who had been watching from a distance began to move closer, their curiosity getting the better of them. They whispered among themselves, nudging each other forward until one of them finally spoke.

“Good afternoon, ma,” they greeted respectfully.

“Good afternoon,” Vivian’s mother replied warmly.

One of the boys stepped forward, his eyes bright with excitement. “Are you the new tenant?”

Her mother smiled. “Yes, we are.”

“Wowww!” another child exclaimed, clapping her hands. “Welcome!”

“We are happy to see you,” a smaller girl added, peeking shyly from behind the others.

Vivian raised an eyebrow, slightly amused by their enthusiasm. “You people are very welcoming o,” she said.

The first boy puffed his chest slightly. “Of course! Nobody stays here for long, so when new people come, we are always happy.”

Vivian blinked. “Wait… what do you mean nobody stays here for long?”

The children exchanged glances, suddenly quieter.

“Nothing,” one of them said quickly. “We just mean… it’s been empty.”

Her mother cleared her throat gently. “Alright, children, can you help us carry these things inside?”

“Yes, ma!” they chorused eagerly.

They sprang into action immediately, lifting bags, boxes, and anything they could manage. Even the smallest ones insisted on carrying something, no matter how light.

Vivian stepped aside, folding her arms as she watched the scene unfold. She found a spot near the entrance and sat quietly, observing everything with keen interest.

“These children have energy sha,” she murmured to herself.

Inside her head, her thoughts wandered. So this is where I’m going to live now… this quiet place, these strange but friendly faces… maybe it won’t be so bad.

From inside the house, voices echoed.

“Put that one here!”

“No, not there—this side!

“Careful! Don’t drop it!”

Vivian couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Within a short time, everything had been moved inside. The children gathered outside again, dusting their hands and looking pleased with themselves.

“Thank you so much,” Vivian’s mother said, genuinely appreciative.

“You’re welcome, ma,” they replied.

She reached into one of the bags and brought out a pack of biscuits, handing it to them. “This is for you.

Their faces lit up instantly.

“Thank you, ma!, they said excitedly.