Trapped ( Zarobljena prevedeno na engleski jezik )

13. Lullaby for the dead

- Since we know you have to be here for a year, it's time I show you the house. It's dilapidated, but it has everything you need - Vujadin was behind Evangelia.

The girl smiled: - I never knew wealth either, we lived in a run-down house. At least yours wasn't devoured by fire - she said, a sad shadow crossing her face then she added: - I don't need anything now except protection, and this place provides that for me. I hope I won't be a bother to you, after all, this is your home, and I am a stranger, and not just any strange - she laughed with a ringing laughter.

The old man also laughed with a rough laugh that made him cough: - You are not a stranger, Evangelia, you are among your own. And to be honest, I am tired of solitude. It's nice to talk to someone. You may be young, but you are smart enough to be my worthy conversation partner.

- Thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to me when someone appreciates my education - the girl smiled widely, revealing a row of pearly teeth.

They entered a small house with only three rooms. In the middle of the house, as in every home of that time, there was a hearth, but much smaller than in Evangelia's parents' former home. Herbs hung from the ceiling, filling the entire house with a strong and fresh scent. The girl recognized rosemary, basil, and mint. She didn't know the others. She would spend a year with the herbalist and would make an effort to learn the types of herbs to help him with gathering. She had already resolved not to sit idle, as she had never been lazy.

From the center of the house, two entrances led to two smaller rooms. One, she assumed, was the old man's room. Vujadin unlocked the door to the other small room for Evangelia. Why was he locking a room in his own house? The girl peeked in and saw a small bed and a wooden chest carved with various birds and animals. The chest was very beautiful, resembling a piece of furniture that a child would want to have. Someone had once slept there, she thought.

- This will be your room, Evangelia - said the old man, clearing his throat.

- I can't sleep - said the girl.

- I know, but I think you still need some space just for yourself.

- Thank you - Evangelia said quietly. She turned around in the room. She hadn't noticed the wardrobe against the wall by the door; it was decorated just like a chest.

- The little room is lovely. May I ask whose it was? - Evangelija regretted her curiosity as soon as she saw Vujadin's face. The old man's weathered and composed features took on the expression of someone who suffers greatly. Pain was etched in every wrinkle on his face.

- It belonged to my son - he finally said.

Evangelia almost faltered in surprise. Since the townspeople had known the old man, he had always been alone, and according to stories, he had never had anyone. A lone wolf and an oddball, some of the many names for the herbalist appeared in Evangelia's mind.

This man once had someone. The man whom everyone feared lost someone long ago and still suffers. He is not a freak. He is just lonely and unhappy. It seems that those who have everything fear those who suffer. As if suffering spreads like a disease.

The girl tears up, she will try to ease his pain while he is here. She didn’t dare to ask him further, but she actually wanted to know what happened to his son and the child's mother. The old man squinted at the girl, noticing that her amber-colored eyes silently questioned him. He had never told anyone about the family he lost, but before him stood a being who had also lost hers. They were united in suffering.

- My wife died very young. My son Miroslav was only seven years old at the time. I loved her very much, she was the only woman I ever knew and the only one I know now - Vujadin paused.