The End of the Littlest One [Completed]

30. Time goes so fast these days

Olivia turned the last corner with her arms and hands filled with bags, and her mother's house greeted her. It stood on the outskirts of town, close to the forest's edge.

The garden in front of her house was covered in snow. When it would thaw, all sorts of flowers and herbs would grow. The air would be filled with various smells, and the eyes would be pleased by the assortment of colors.

Olivia walked on the path leading to the house's front door. In front of the window to her right stood a bench, also covered in snow. She noticed footprints from various birds. She traced them with her eyes to see the paths they took.

Down from the bench to a bush further in the garden. Various footprint-paths met and crossed each other. Prints were on the windowsill.

She knocked on the door. Waiting for a response from the other side, she looked around much more.

The world looks so different covered in snow she thought. So muted.

Olivia faced the door again when she heard footsteps walking through the hall on the other side. The door opened quickly after that. A familiar face greeted her.

'Good morning, honey,' the old woman greeted.

'It's already in the afternoon, mom,' Olivia said.

'Already? Time goes so fast these days.'

Olivia walked into the hallway and closed the door behind her.

'You really outdid yourself this time.'

Her mother referred to all the bags she brought with her. Olivia was now lining them up against the tiled wall. It left a small space for the two women to stand in.

'I felt like treating you,' Olivia said. 'Do you mind? If so, I'll take some back with me.'

'No, not at all. You're allowed to do it more often if you'd like.'

Her mother smiled. Upon seeing the bright smile, Olivia couldn't help but smile too.

'Maybe I will.'

'Would you like some tea first?'

'Sure.'

Olivia followed her mother to the kitchen at the back of the house. She noticed the distinct smell in the house. She had never been able to put her finger on it; never been able to identify it. Nonetheless, it smelled like home.

Once in the kitchen, his mother filled a kettle with water. When she put it on the stove and turned it on, they both stood there. Watching the kettle.

Might as well do something useful with my time Olivia thought.

'Why don't I put some of the stuff I brought in your pantries?' Olivia said.

'Alright. You wanted tea, right?'

'Yes, I did.'

'Good.'

Olivia walked back the same way she came from. She picked up all the bags and walked back. When she had returned to the kitchen, she started putting everything away into pantries.

'What tea do you want?' her mother asked.

'What do you have?'

'I'm not sure. Let me look.'

Her mother took a few steps to the right, and opened a pantry hanging on the wall. She stood on her toes and inspected the contents.

'Black tea or...,' Olivia's heard her mother pushing something out of the way, 'or some more black tea.'