As said, they arrived in front of Alora's cafe.
Alora was serving customer's when a few more people's arrived.
"Welcome, in our cafe-" her words died down when she saw her family standing before her.
"Excuse me," saying this to the customer, she ran towards her family.
"Come in, come in," Mrs. Snow said coming out of the kitchen.
"Mrs. Snow," Maya and Sarah's parents hugged this old yet strong lady.
"What would you guys like to eat? I will serve it now. Sarah and Maya have grown up since the last time I saw them. My beautiful Angeles," Mrs. Snow said with adoration.
The whole family sat together and had dessert. As there weren't many customers, Alora and Mrs. Snow joined them.
Time passed away in the blink of an eye. The cold breeze was still present outside, just like before.
The fog has lightened up a little bit but was still present there.
Around 5 pm, Alora said that it was time to meet that person.
"Who?"
"Someone. All of you can tag along. It's won't take long hopefully."
"We all are free today. So, it's not a problem."
After half an hour, they were in front of the south Asian restaurant.
"Isn't it the restaurant where we came yesterday to eat?"
"Yes, Let's go."
"I want to eat the same tasty food again," Sarah started jumping like her nature.
The elders were visibly confused and the youngest's didn't bother removing it.
They went inside and the youngest's went to meet Hasan who was busy cooking.
"Hello, Hasan."
"Oh, Hi Alora. How are you doing?"
"I am good. Are you busy?"
"Yes, a little. I have to prepare this last dish and then all I have to do is serve. What would you guys like to have?"
"The same as before. We are already fans. It was awesome."
"Glad you guys liked it. For three people?"
"No, make it eight."
"You guys can sit. I will call when it's ready."
"Sure."
Alora then shared her plan with others.
"You are planning to resign? Why?"
"I want to give my full focus on my studies and small business. This tight schedule isn't working out for me," Alora said playing with her fingers as if feeling guilty for leaving Mrs. Snow alone.
"I know what you are feeling right now. Don't feel guilty. It was bound to happen someday and remember, I was the one who asked you to resign. I am not angry, my love," Mrs. Snow said hugging Alora.
"We support you. You have us," Sarah and Maya said patting her head.
Alora looked at her parents' friends who were no less than parents to her. They loved and cared for her just like their own child.
"I am sorry that you always have to go through all of the struggles alone. I am sorry that you don't think we are worthy enough to know your pain," Sarah's mother said with pain visible on her face.
"It's nothing like that. You guys are my parents but sometimes, we have to make tough decisions for ourselves. Don't cry," Alora said hugging both mothers.
"Our children are growing. Now they are mature enough to handle their difficulties. I don't know what to feel anymore," Maya's father started.
" One side of my heart is happy for them. I am super happy and proud of them for being responsible enough. On the other hand, I feel old. Time flies faster than anything, " Sarah's father finished.
"Time and tide wait for none. It's in nature, not in our hands," Mrs. Snow said and everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
They chatted for almost one hour and finally, the food arrived.
Maya and Sarah jumped on the food immediately as if they haven't eaten anything for the last few years.
"Can we talk to you after your work? " Alora asked Hasan.
"Sure, you guys can wait here. Enjoy," saying this Hasan got busy with his work.
The elders tasted the food and instantly fall in love.
Praises weren't leaving their lips.
"This cuisine is better than any other cuisine I had before. Different and so good. The blast of different spices is filling my mouth with pleasure," Mrs. Snow said taking another bite of her biriyani.
Then a delicious silence filled up between them. Everyone got busy eating.
After finishing their food, they decided to sit at the riverside for a little.
Compared to the night, there were a lot of people present in the evening.
"When I was younger, around the age of you three, I used to go swimming every week. The water makes me feel closer to nature. Our house was close to the river. The cold yet soothing breeze was always present in our house," Mrs. Snow closed her eyes as if remembering the old days.
Alora, Sarah, and Maya felt like they were listening to stories of their grandma's teenage, which is kind of true as Mrs. Snow is like their grandma.
"What do they call it? Oh, YouTube. Nowadays, young people listen to nature sounds to fall asleep. I used to live the nature. The sound of water was something I grew up with. Splash, splash. Good, old days," Mrs. Snow's lips were formed in a smile.
"I know the experience. My house is also close to the ocean," Hasan's voice came from behind.
Everyone looked at him.
"Sorry if I disturbed you guys. I just wanted to say that I am free now," Hasan said scratching his neck.
"No, you didn't dear. By the way, where are you from?" Maya's mother asked.
"I am from Bangladesh. From Cox's Bazar of Bangladesh to be specific. The largest beach in the world," Hasan said with a proud smile on his face.
"I heard about Bangladesh before. It's a beautiful country," Sarah's father said looking interested.
"Indeed it is. My beautiful motherland," Hasan's lips curled up in a smile.
They started talking about nature, the ocean, and Bangladesh.
"Well, Hasan there's something I want to discuss with you. I don't know how to put it in front of you," Alora said with a little hesitation.
"You are already like a little sister to me. No need to hesitate. Just say it," Hasan gave her a warm smile.