Day fourteen started with Xenia spending almost an hour on her bed after waking up. Social Media was her first choice however soon all the new posts were over. She scrolled through the old posts for some time then kept her phone aside. Her parents were awake however were in their room and her brother did not have a meeting and would not wake up until afternoon reaches its end. Sitting alone quietly her mind started to wander and soon her thoughts landed on the previous night. It was a pleasant evening despite it being filled with darkness. A slideshow of the events started playing in her mind.

After her brother had received a video call from his friends, Xenia found it uncomfortable to stay. However, she stayed. She did not wish to join her parents and standing anywhere else would rise speculations or seem rude. Hence, she stayed glued. After five minutes, however, her mother asked her to get some water for them. Nodding her head she did what was asked. She brought two water bottles and two glasses.

"Did you close the window?" Her mother asked her.

She nodded and handed the bottles to her father. He smiled before motioning towards the terrace of one of their neighbours. "What is their daughter's name? She is in your class?"

"No. She is younger than me."

"Really? Wasn't she in your class in school?"

"She was not in my school. They recently moved here."

"Oh. Then who was in your class?"

"Pragya. That's not her house. She lives there." Xenia pointed towards another house.

"Oh okay. I always get confused. She was your enemy, right? You both had issues or something."

"We never fought."

"But you did not like her, right?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Nothing. Saw her brother the other day. What is the matter with him?"

"He is." She frowned, being careful of her word. "Different. Weird. A little bit." She briefly looked at Maier to see his reaction.

"He was acting odd. Why was he roaming outside? He should be home."

"His parents pay no attention at him," Xenia said.

"Their parents pay no attention to their children. They should know what they are doing." Xenia frowned at her mother's reaction. She was aware that their children were doing 'stuff ' but how her mother was aware she had no clue. "Sit," Her father motioned towards a chair. She shook her head and stayed standing. "What does your brother do?" Her mother asked Maier.

"He has a small business of his own."

"That is nice. He is married, right? How many children does he have?"

"He has a son. And is expecting another."

"Oh, congratulations. What is it? There you can find out the gender, right?"

"It's a girl."

"Perfect. It must be difficult in such a situation. How is your sister in law doing? Which month is she due?"

"She is fine. She is due in three weeks."

"Three weeks! Oh My. I pray things to get better by then."

"Hopefully it will. Hospital is not very far from home so that is a good thing."

"Yeah, but hospitals are at the highest risk these days."

"True. But my brother said they are taking all the precautions. I think they will be fine."

"They will be. The hospital will take all the actions needed. They know better."

"They certainly do."

"Xenia your best friend." Her father caught everyone's attention. Xenia looked up and rolled her eyes. It was the same lady her mother had teased her about a few days ago. The lady soon took notice of them and smiled widely. Xenia's mother walked towards the edge to talk to the lady so Xenia sat in her chair. They were quiet as their connection, her mother left. Soon Xenia's eyes landed on her classmate Nisha. She and her 'friend' were having a conversation through their facial expressions. Xenia made a face which did not go unnoticed by Maier. He followed her eyes and saw their conversation. She frowned and wrinkled her nose while Maier smiled. "Come here." Her mother called her father after a few minutes and he left too. Maier watched him leave and then looked at Xenia. Her opposite reaction made him say, "What is the matter? You don't like them? Or do you like him?"

"No. And NO!"

"Then why that expression. You seem upset."

"Not upset. I just find them odd."

"You find a lot of people odd. But why do you find them odd?"

"They both were in my college. Same class. They are very you know couple-ly. They never, never walk without holding hands. Always sit together and rarely are seen apart. They do nothing creepy and one can say they are cute. But some times I think they overdo it. Their families are here. Why give them a heart attack?"

"Again, I do not understand you."

"It is okay. I like that you don't."

Maier smiled and looked away. Xenia, trying to avoid awkwardness turned her face in her parent's direction. She observed them until she was talked to again. "Why is everyone looking at me like that? I observed many people are doing it."

"Like what?"

"Like I am an alien."

Xenia followed his gaze and found some neighbours looking in their direction. "They are surprised to see someone come out of the house of ghosts."

He smiled. "Someone someday would have, could have occupied the house."

"Yeah, but the house has been locked for years. Most people have never seen light in that house."

"I guess they can be given the benefit of doubt."

"Come let's go down and play," her mother said coming closer to them.

"Play what?" She asked.

"Something. We all are getting bored."

"Tomorrow. Let's sleep now." Her father suggested.

"Yeah." She agreed.

"Okay. You must join us tomorrow."

Xenia's eyes widened thinking about the promise her mother took from Maier. Shaking her head she left her bed. Slow day picked up the gear. Making her bed she left the room. The house was nosy in a few minutes. As rare as breakfast was it started to become a routine after Maier became their permanent guest.

"What are we making today?" Her mother asked entering the kitchen.

"That is my line."

"What are we having for breakfast?" Maier said coming in the kitchen.

"Again, my line."

"I was thinking pancakes," Maier said looking at her mother.

"I always wanted to try it! Let's do it. I am sure we have everything."

He shook his head. "I have everything you do not worry."

"I do not like pancakes," Xenia said.

"You have never tried it, " her mother reminded.

"That means I do not like it."

"We can have something else," Maier said softly.

"Do not pay any attention to her. We are making it. Tell me what to do and how to do."

Dismissing her they both started preparing for their breakfast. Xenia was upset upon missing an opportunity of a good breakfast, however, she was pleasantly surprised at their friendship and could not help but laugh at it.

"What is happening?" Her father asked when she came to the living room.

"They are making pancakes. They sound excited, just like children."

He chuckled. " Your mother found a long lost friend. Look at her, " he suddenly changed his tone, "she is making male friends!"

Xenia laughed. " You should be scared. Be scared."

"Why? Am I not as good looking as him? He doesn't even look that good." Xenia smiled and shook her head. "Tell me, tell me. Am I not as good looking as him? Got some grey hair but that suits me."

"It really suits you. Are we going to play games?"

"I don't know. Ask your mother. She wanted to play. She is busy right now though. Huh."

Shaking her head she looked towards the kitchen. Her mother was excited to play and though it was not visible Xenia was too. A change, whatever it was, was welcomed and a game played with everyone was more than welcomed. She was confident they would have a delightful time. The assumption was that in the evening they would all play after everyone was available, however,  that did not happen. By the end of the day, her mother was exhausted and slept earlier than usual. Xenia, who was looking forward to it, was a little disappointed. It was after many days, perhaps weeks that Xenia was excited about something and when it did not happen she felt low. However, before sleeping, her smile managed to crawl back on her face.