Thank you Granch, but we need to leave now…” It was an hour after we arrived, and we needed to keep moving.

He merely says a word but points to a bag on the sofa,

“What are these?” I ask,

“I packed those for you and your son, you'll have to fill your stomach on your journey,”

I am in awe at the contents of the bag; varieties of food and fruits, and also a blanket.

“How do I repay this kindness?” I muttered with tears in my eyes,

“By surviving.”

His words held ...