I watched as Aunty Sali arranged her bags, stuffing the last of her things into the worn fabric. She was leaving, heading back to Blackwood. She had been taking care of Pali ever since that incident in the woods, staying by his side and fussing over him like he was a child. She really was a caring aunt. Even if I don't like her because of her nonstop blabbering, I have to admit she has the warmth of a caring mother.
I stood by the shop entrance, leaning against the frame and staring out at the street when she tapped me on the shoulder. I looked at her, and then, without warning, she reached out and pulled me into a tight hug.
Wow. That was completely unexpected. I stood there stiffly for a second before my arms finally moved to pat her back.
