Katrina Bruna

You always talk back like this, never listening to my good advice.

I sigh.

Alright, I'll make sure to wash my vegetables, okay?

Well, you don't have to do it just because I said so.

Stop talking nonsense and go to bed on time.

Her voice sounds annoyed, but I know that this is the only way she knows to express her love and care.

Okay, Grandma, you go to sleep on time, too.

I'll sleep when I want to.

She cuts the call, and I close my eyes, an expression of warm amusement on my face.

I go back to check on the pickles the next morning, and the jar is back in its designated corner on the roof, now with a crooked smiley face drawn on it in black marker, a little note stuck under it.

Our new housemate.