Chapter 7: Chapter 7

- Maive's POV -

I knew that once I take more steps, my life will change.

The old couple welcomed me without asking any questions about how I ended up having blood on my clothes or why I was running on the road as they welcomed me with warmth in their smiles. I was glad that questions were not thrown at me because I am really not sure how to answer them correctly without scaring them.

I am not even sure that I could answer them without breaking down. I was doubting why though but I set it aside, maybe, they're just good people.

"You'll be safe here." The woman assured me; probably I looked so fragile in their eyes that they handled me with care. She, then, smiled at me warmly. Her husband did the same as he extended his arm at her shoulder.

"May we know your name, young woman?" Her lips twitched a bit.

I lowered my gaze, "M-Maive...Maiveline Underwood." I answered shyly, not knowing the right action to do so.

I have to be good or they will throw me out and I have nowhere to go then.

She patted my head.

"Call me Aunt Vera." She said and extended her hand as a gesture. "This is your Uncle Silas," she softly said.

My eyes began to water; not believing that they were accepting an unknown girl like me. Kindness still exists after all the bullying and murder that took place before my eyes. The world was not as cruel as I thought it was.

"T-Thank you for accepting me..." I paused. "A-Aunt Vera." I looked beside her... at her husband, "t-thank you, Uncle S-Silas." I stuttered saying their name, it felt foreign saying their names, especially since I only met them minutes ago but they welcomed me as if they have known me for years.

I was taken aback when she embraced me despite the blood and dirt on my body. She patted my head once again, "Don't be a stranger, okay? We're family now."

I was not able to hold my sobs after that. I hugged her back as I cried and sobbed for all the persons that I have lost and for them... who have found me. I couldn't imagine my life if I was not picked up by that driver and brought here.

Now, I do really think that God still exists.

After that short introduction, they lead me into an empty room where I will be staying. Their house was simple but it was more decent than our house. I wonder what happened to our house...it was probably burned down by those village men.

I was standing inside a room when I heard some soft knocks. When I opened the door, I found Aunt Vera with clothes in her hands.

"We have no clothes for you yet... take these clothes of mine for now," She softly and carefully stated as she handed pieces of clothes to me.

I was actually shy to accept it but I did nevertheless. I couldn't turn her down and also, now that I think of it, I need to wash away these blood stains and dirt on my body.

"That's where our bathroom is," She pointed to a door near their room.

"There's food at the table," She pointed to a small table near us. "You should eat after taking a bath."

"Thank you, Aunt Vera..." I stated as I slightly bowed my head as a gratitude gesture.

She nodded and left after that.

I stood there alone with clothes in my hands for a few minutes, still processing everything. When I snapped back to reality, I went directly to the bathroom that she pointed out earlier. It was beside their room. Aunt Vera and Uncle Silas were already in their room when I took a bath, they were probably sleeping already, especially since it is already the middle of the night.

To be honest, I am actually shy to step foot in their bathroom knowing that my body is filled with blood stains but it would be more embarrassing to be this dirty inside their house.

It took me several minutes or hours to finish taking a bath. The dried blood stains were difficult to remove both from my body and shirt. I have to add that I was spacing out while bathing.

Once done, I immediately cleaned the bathroom, took the blood out, leaving no dirt in the place and went to the room where I will be staying. I just lay on the bed, thinking of everything about life. I couldn't sleep, probably because it is my first time sleeping in a house other than ours. But most especially because I kept thinking about my father and poor brother.

Another tear flowed out of my eyes and I couldn't help but bite my lip not to let out a noise.

It was a tragedy... Losing them is a tragedy that I must carry in this life onwards. Funny how a human heart has no bones but could be easily shattered... It is the most difficult wound to heal because no one ever sees it. Wounds when hidden would just continue to rot over time. Mine would surely rot.

That night, I was not able to sleep even a bit. All I could do was listen to the crickets outside while thinking of my family that was taken away from me. All night tears covered my eyes, I just couldn't help it, I love my family so much. I miss them a lot, I miss my arrogant brother... and my caring father.

When the sun started to rise, I decided to sit up and get out of my bed. The old couple was still asleep when I got out of the room. I looked around their house, there were only two rooms, one is theirs and the other is where I am staying. They have a simple living room and just a few steps, there goes their dining room which is only separated by a curtain.

"You're up early," I was surprised by that word behind me. It was Uncle Silas.

When I looked around, I found him whose eyes were still looking puffy from sleeping.

I nodded at him.

He walked towards the small table in their dining room. He opened the food cover, "You did not eat?"

"I-I forgot to..." I answered. I was actually too shy and embarrassed to eat yesterday and I also have no appetite for food.

He patted my head, "Treat us like your family, Maive."

I lowered my gaze and nodded. His actions made me remember my father.

Silence remained between us after that. Uncle Silas moved towards the kitchen sink where plates and utensils were placed.

I stood there watching him getting mugs. Soon enough, a bitter yet sweet aroma from coffee beans.

"Do you like coffee?" He asked warmly.

The aroma coming from his drink made me nod. He handed me the other mug of coffee after that.

"You'll surely love this." He stated with a hint of joy in his voice. Uncle Silas' eyes sparkled upon saying those words.

He loves coffee just like my father.