The morning sun streamed into the small house as the door opened.
Kael: …I'm back.
Kael stepped inside carrying a basket of herbs. His footsteps slowed… then stopped.
The wounded man was sitting up on the bed, eyes open and clear.
Kael (whispering): …he's awake.
Liora turned quickly and gasped.
Liora: k-kael… he… he woke up…
The man's gaze shifted toward them slowly.
Arion: …where… am I…?
Kael placed the herb basket down and stepped forward carefully.
Kael: you're… in our home. you were badly injured… we treated you.
Arion looked around the small room silently.
Arion (thinking): small house… poor conditions… children?
He shifted slightly and winced.
Arion: …i see.
A brief silence followed.
Arion: my name… is arion.
Arion: thank you… for saving me.
Kael shook his head lightly.
Kael: i only gave basic treatment… low-level pills. you're still injured.
Arion tested his arm and felt pain shoot through his body.
Arion (thinking): body still heavy… wounds deep… movement restricted.
He exhaled slowly.
Arion: then… i will leave tomorrow. i cannot burden you further.
Kael stepped forward immediately.
Kael: no. you can't leave yet.
Arion looked at him calmly.
Arion: i have already caused enough trouble.
Kael: your wounds will reopen if you move now. stay until you heal.
Liora slowly peeked from behind Kael, holding her doll tightly.
Liora: p-please stay… you look like you'll fall if you walk…
Arion glanced at the small girl.
Arion (thinking): frightened… yet speaking… brave child.
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
Arion: …stubborn children.
He leaned back slightly against the wall.
Arion: very well. i will stay… for now.
Kael let out a small breath of relief.
Kael: thank you.
Arion's expression grew more serious.
Arion: but i will not remain useless. i will help you so i am not a burden.
Kael frowned slightly.
Kael: you should rest first.
Arion: tell me… how do you make a living?
Kael: i collect herbs. make low-level pills. sell them.
Arion nodded slowly.
Arion: then when i recover enough to sit and move… i will help.
Kael: only after you heal properly.
Arion: agreed.
Liora tugged Kael's sleeve gently.
Liora (whispering): kael… can we trust him…?
Kael glanced at Arion, then at Liora.
Kael (softly): …for now… yes.
Arion closed his eyes briefly, resting.
Silence settled inside the small house, but this time… it felt calmer.
For now, the wounded man named Arion would remain.