Eating chicken

Margareth slowly gets up, then ruffles Helen’s hair, walking away and bringing back the plate of tarts. “Have some chicken too before you switch to dessert.” She takes both her half eaten bowl of stew and the girl’s empty one and pours her remaining food back into the pot, throwing the two empty bowls in the sink. “You’ll need your energy, dove.”

The girl nods and take some of the chicken breast, eating it in a rush, as if someone might snatch it away from her at any moment. Old habits die hard, after all.

“What kingdom are you from, little one?” She asks while starting to wash the dishes. “You look like a westerner, but you’re lacking the accent.”

“I was orphaned at a young age, and as far as I know, I am originally from the west, but I was raised just a few towns away from here, by my aunt and uncle.” She finishes the chicken, grabbing one of the tarts.

“I’m sorry to hear that…” The older lady stops, plate in hand, sorrow filling her eyes, but quickly swallows it back. “Any siblings?”

“What little memories I have of the west, I remember one brother, significantly older than me, but he wasn’t always around. Other than that...” A tear slowly falls down her cheek, leaving behind a single line of sadness behind.