The Love that Never Really Dies

“Sebby, you’re home.”

Sebastian glanced up and saw Sasha in an apron, standing by the dining table with a hot bowl of soup in her hand. She had appeared, looking radiant and smiling angelically, as soon as she heard him come in.

Sebastian did not know what to say to her.

“Okay, is everyone home? Can we eat dinner now? I’m starving!” Sabrina said loudly.

Sebastian had not noticed her sitting on the sofa. She suddenly stood up and started walking towards the dining table which Sebastian noticed was heavily laden with all the food that Sasha had prepared.

Can Sasha please stop doing this?

Sasha smiled awkwardly and said, “Matt, come set the table. Your aunt is hungry.”

Then, she placed the bowl of soup down in the center of the table and moved towards Sebastian, who was still standing at the front door.

“Are you tired? I made your favorite steak for dinner tonight. Go wash up and come eat.”

Sasha casually bent down, pulled out a pair of house slippers from the shoe cabinet and laid them in front of Sebastian. It was as if there was nothing wrong between the two of them.

Sebastian just stared at her quietly.

He had no choice but to slip his socked feet into the slippers and hand his briefcase over to her. Then, he hugged her stiffly as he always does.

Just as the ice around his heart was beginning to melt, the image of his mother being shot and falling unconscious into his arms appeared in his mind again.

eyes narrowed and hardened

asked you to come

say?” Sasha raised her head to look straight into his

thought of bringing the children over. You like living here, don’t

of his voice and answered him

darkened. “Sasha, what is it that you don’t you understand? Do you really want to

affection for her and he had even gone as far as to bring up

but after a few minutes, her expression returned to its

days’ time. Can’t we just celebrate

a low, calm voice as if she was just discussing the most mundane household matters with

Sebastian was surprised.

she would cry and cause a scene just as she had

was very much calmer

felt empty. He watched her put away his briefcase and

turned even

wash up and take your sister with you. Matt, go set your Daddy’s place at the table. We’re going

“Okay, Mommy.”

the small argument between their parents since

may have overheard them, but she had always been the most naïve one. It was likely that, even if she had heard them,

children happily sat down at the

walked over to

said we’ll be spending Christmas over here this year. This will be the first we will all be

down, he had begun