Operation: Threads of Connection

Peace

I left the WISE headquarters and made my way to the nearby grocery store. The streets were quieter now, the city settling into the calm of the evening. As I picked up the milk and eggs, I thought about my family waiting for me at home. I checked the time on my watch. 10:30 PM! Wow! I've been out all day, picking up the pace a bit. I turned the corner of our block. I saw a glimpse of pink walking ahead. Was that Anya?

I tried to catch up to her, but I stopped when I noticed a taller looking boy next to her. She was smiling and laughing with the boy. Anya was wearing a red hoodie 2 sizes too big for her. Oh my! Did that boy give Anya his sweater? I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. I stayed behind to give them their privacy, but I was still close by in case that boy tried anything funny. They stood there for a minute not saying anything, suddenly the boy gave a small wave goodbye and turned. Anya waved back, and quickly made her way inside the house.

If I walk this way, I will be able to see his face! I gathered my groceries and began to walk slowly. Suddenly, the paper bag I had began to fall apart, spilling its contents onto the ground. I quickly bent down to gather the groceries, hoping not to draw attention to myself. As I picked up the eggs and milk, I heard footsteps approaching.

"Do you need some help, ma'am?" a polite voice asked.

I looked up to see the boy who had been with Anya standing there, his expression genuinely concerned. Up close, I could see he was a bit taller than Anya, with a kind face and bright eyes.

"Oh, thank you," I said, feeling a bit flustered. "I just didn't expect the bag to give out."

He crouched down and helped me pick up the scattered groceries. "These paper bags aren't very reliable, are they?"

"No, they aren't," I agreed, managing a smile. "You seem to know Anya."

"Yes, I'm Damian Desmond. We go to the same school," he introduced himself, extending a hand.

I shook his hand, noting his firm but gentle grip. Damian? As in the Melinda's boy? Oh my goodness! "I'm Yor Forger, Anya's mother. It's nice to finally meet you, Damian! I've been friends with your mom for so long, she has said many nice things about you" I reply giving them a smile.

Damian's face began to turn a light pink, he scratched the back of his head nervously. "Oh, you've met mom... hopefully she didn't say anything embarrassing, but anyway, would you like some help Mrs. Forger?" Damian asked. I graciously accepted as he helped me gather the remaining groceries. "Thank you, Damian. You're very kind."

"No problem at all," he said, his blush deepening. "It's the least I can do."

As we finished picking up the groceries, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. It was reassuring to know that Anya had good friends who were willing to help. We walked towards the apartment. He followed quietly behind me, was he always this quiet? Anya used to say he had a mouth to him.

"I'm home!" I yell out to my family.

"Anya! This is your third laptop, do you think money grows on trees that you can continue breaking things without a care!" Loid yelled out to Anya who was sitting on the couch.

"I know papa, I'm sorry... It was an accident I swear, my drink just fell on it, I'm 17 now I could get a job and get a new laptop, for the time being, I can use the school computers, I'm sorry papa, please don't be mad..." Anya said putting her head down.

Loid sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not about the laptop, Anya. It's about being responsible and careful with your things."

Anya looked up, her eyes full of sincerity. "I promise, I'll be more careful from now on."