She let out a soft laugh, her free hand patting his back affectionately.
“Such a sweet boy,” she praised, her voice warm with genuine fondness.“My only hope is that Elira finds someone as decent as you, my Theo.”
I scoffed, crossing my arms as I fell into step beside them.“Please, he doesn’t have a decent bone in his body.”
Theo turned to me, a smirk already curling his lips.“I can think of at least one bo—”
Before he could finish, I kicked him in the shin, the toe of my sandal connecting with enough force to make him buckle.He let out a muffled grunt, hopping awkwardly to keep his balance as the contents in his arms rattled.
“Elira!”My mother’s voice was sharp with disapproval.“Don’t kick him.”
She reached out, steadying Theo.
“And you,” she gave him a pointed look that could wither flowers, “don’t say rude things.”
We both mumbled a half-hearted “sorry” in unison, exchanging grins when she turned away.
Laughter followed us as we walked home, our steps falling into an easy rhythm.The slow descent of the sun cast long shadows before us, stretching our silhouettes into giants.
The moment home came into view, a deep sense of relief flooded over me like cool water on a scorching day.The whitewashed walls gleamed orange in the sunset, the blue door standing out like a jewel against the simple exterior.
We passed through the small courtyard, where a single olive tree cast dappled shadows across the stone tiles.A ceramic fountain bubbled in the corner, the gentle splash of water a welcome sound after the noise of the market.
Theo helped bring the satchels inside, the wooden door creaking on its hinges as we entered the cool interior.He set them onto the wood table in the centre of the main room, its surface polished smooth from years of use.The bags landed with a soft thud, stirring up dust that danced in the slanting rays of sunlight that streamed in from the narrow windows.
The room was rich with the scent of fresh herbs and spices hanging from woven baskets near the open shelves.Their vibrant colours painted the room with warmth.
My mother unpacked her purchases, laying out bundles of mint and coriander on the countertop, sorting and arranging with practised efficiency.
“You must stay for tea,” she said, looking over her shoulder at Theo.Her tone made it clear it was not a request.
“He can’t,” I said quickly as I leaned against the doorframe.“Isn’t that right Theo?”
“I can,” he countered smugly, unlacing his sandals and leaving them by the door.“And I will.”
Theo flicked my forehead.I flinched at the sharp sting.
He made himself comfortable, sprawling across the cushions around the low wooden table, stretching his legs out and leaning against the wall like heownedthe place.
If I was being honest, thiswaspractically his second home.When he wasn’t off travelling, he was here, eating our food, lounging around and most importantly, getting on my nerves.
I suppose I understood why.With no family left, he only had us.
I sighed, the sound heavy with resignation as I sank onto one of the embroidered cushions, closing my eyes as I let the exhaustion of the day settle in.
“We saw a Seer today.”
Theo’s voice broke the quiet.My eyes shot open, all previous exhaustion gone in an instant.
My mother froze, a bundle of herbs clutched in her hand.
I snapped my head so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash, and my eyes narrowed into a glare.Theo, the traitor, didn’t even notice, too focused on a piece of almond cake he’d snatched from the plate.
Shit.I forgot to tell him not to say anything.
“Shut.Up,” I hissed, my knuckles whitening from how hard I clenched my fists.
Oblivious as always to the tension that had descended upon the room, Theo took a causal bite.
