The smell of freshly made tea reached Peter, reminding him of the five 'o clock tea time his family had. He swallowed his tears, and held his new friend's hand tightly.
Pushing open the door, he saw that Berwald had a family too, a short blond man and a ginger boy his age looked at him in curiosity, as Peter shuffled behind Berwald.
"Tino, this' Peter."
Tino walked over to them and gently looked at Peter. His motherly gaze reminded him of his own mother. His tears welled up again.
Peter sniffled, wiping his nose, trying not to cry. His knees were shaking from hunger, eyes swollen from all the crying. Tino softly smiled and invited him in. Peter swallowed, and entered the cosy little house.
Berwald took off his coat and washed up, while the little ginger boy stared at Peter in curiosity. Tino led Peter to the kitchen where four wooden chairs surrounded a finely made, also wooden, round table. He then reached for the cupboard for another cup, while Berwald went to another room.
Swinging his legs, the other boy finally talked.
"Who are you?"
"I- I'm Peter."
He said weakly, trying not to get reminded of his family.
"I'm Fred! Why are you here? I don't see much kids here much often, how old are you?"
"I'm seven..."
Slightly overwhelmed by Fred, Peter walked backwards, to awkwardly stand in the corner of the kitchen. He looked down at his feet, sniffling. When a tear fell down his cheek, he quickly wiped it away before Tino turned to him.
"Sit down Peter! Have some tea!"
He softly said, gesturing for him to sit down beside him. Peter shyly sat down, wiping his nose and sniffling quietly.
"Are you okay dear? Why did you go away from your home?"
Peter stopped.
"I- Alistair told me- Artie- he- I didn't w-want to!"
He burst out in tears, flinging his arms around Tino. He reminded him so much of his mother, that it comforted him to do so. Tino was surprised, but wrapped his arms around him comfortingly.
"Shh... don't cry dear."
Peter cried freely, while Fred watched slightly sad. Tino patted his back in a comforting way, assuring him he'll be there for him.
An hour passed, and it was bedtime. Fred kissed his mama and papa goodnight, soon falling asleep next to them. Peter held Tino tightly.
"What's the matter dear?"
"My mummy... passed away. And then Allistair and Artie started fighting. Artie..."
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he talked, Berwald and Tino listened with concern. After he had fallen asleep, they whispered in concern for Peter.
-
