Trouble slowly opened his eyes once more, and this time, they sparkled with a vibrant vigor, like the first rays of dawn breaking over the horizon. However, he was surprised to find Ekaterina lying on his chest, her tiny body curled up like a kitten seeking warmth. "Ekaterina..." he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible, as he gazed at her serene face. As he looked at her, he felt a strong, warm feeling swelling inside his heart, like the gentle lapping of waves on a quiet shore.
"Argh!" His head shrieked in pain as he tried to recall anything about her. Fortunately, this time it wasn't severe like last time; it was just a sting on the brain, a gentle reminder of the memories that lingered just out of reach.
"Come on, come on," Ruzhu's wife gently repeated these words as she approached Ekaterina, her voice a soothing balm to the tension in the air. However, when she reached her, she was taken aback by the sight of Trouble's eyes, now open and focused. "Ooh, Trouble, you've woken up! Good thing! Let me also bring you something to eat." And just like that, Trouble and Ekaterina dined together, their unconscious state having taken a toll on them, leaving them ravenous.
Ruzhu and his wife looked at the pair with surprise, their faces etched with amusement. They thought to themselves, how hungry were they to be feasting like this? After some minutes, everything on the table was cleared, the empty plates a testament to their voracious appetites.
"Thanks for the food, it was very delicious," they said in unison, Trouble and Ekaterina bowing in show of appreciation, their movements synchronized like two dancers performing a well-rehearsed routine.
"It was our pleasure; glad you enjoyed the food," said Ruzhu's wife with a gentle smile that spoke nothing but pure kindness.
"Hey Trouble, do you recall anything about yourself?" asked Ruzhu.
"A-a-am not sure, I can't recall anything, uncle," answered Trouble worriedly. "What about Ekaterina?" asked Ruzhu again.
"I love her; about why I love her, I don't know exactly, I just know I love her very much," Trouble seriously answered. Ruzhu retreated to his thoughts as he whispered to himself, "Strange, it seems the lightning has messed them up badly, not only were their bodies turned into children's bodies but also their memories were messed up."
As he was still lost in his thoughts, Trouble rushed to his feet and bowed. "Thanks so much, uncle, for taking care of us, we are truly grateful." The sudden turn of events caught Ruzhu off guard, but he responded quickly, "Please rise, you don't have to be thankful; we were happy to have you." He paused before continuing, "Would you like to live with us?"
Trouble bowed once more. "Thanks so much, uncle, for your help; we will be good and won't give you trouble." Ruzhu chuckled. "By Trouble, do you mean yourself...anyways, from now on, you are my son. Don't call me uncle."
The moment Trouble heard those words, he became vulnerable, not knowing what a dad was or how one should be, he got emotional. "Thanks so much, da-da-dad," the words came out stammering. A feeling of having a dad was one he had never experienced before, and about this, he was certain.