28. Annani

Annani put the brush away, rose to her feet, and walked into the living room. The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a serene light over the table that her Odus had set in preparation for Syssis parents visit.

The cruise offered a rare occasion for Annani to interact with her in-laws, and she was looking forward to a stimulating conversation with Anita and Adam.

They always had so many fascinating stories to tell about their exploits in the Congo. Listening to Anita talk about her work with children, Adam about his wildlife photography, and the dangerous situations both often found themselves in might take her mind off tonights first telepathic meeting with her grandmother.

It was a shame she could not share that piece of information with them or the rest of her clan. If it was up to her, she would have told everyone about it, but Aru insisted on secrecy, and she had to honor his wishes even though she did not believe it was necessary.

Well, it was true that letting Dagor and Negal in on the secret carried some risk. If they ever got picked up by the Anumati patrol ship, the knowledge of Aru and Arias telepathic connection could be extracted from them.

When the doorbell rang and Oridu let Anita and Adam in, Annani greeted each one with a warm smile and a gentle embrace.

She might be petite and look delicate, but she could easily crush a humans ribcage if she was not careful.

I hope you have not eaten yet. My Odus prepared afternoon tea.

Not since lunch. Adam patted his belly. Im going to gain so much weight on this cruise that I will need to go on a diet when we return to Liuma.

Anita sighed. That wont be difficult. She cast Annani a sad smile. Its hard to eat well when people are hungry around you.

Is hunger still such a severe problem in the Congo? Annani asked.

Syssis mother nodded. Yes, hunger remains a significant issue in DRC. Many are experiencing food insecurity, and many children are acutely malnourished. Poor harvests, violence-driven displacement, disease, unemployment, and collapsing infrastructure are to blame, and there are no fast and easy solutions to any of that.

Annani shook her head. It is hard to believe that hunger is still an issue in todays world.

Adam snorted. And what about barbarism? When I was a boy, I believed the world was getting better and that there were no more barbarians left.

Annani leaned back, Oridu filled her cup with tea, and then she waited for him to fill Anita and Adams cups.

I assume that you are referring to what happened in Acapulco.

Adam let out a sigh. Among other instances. There are too many to count even though the media tends to focus on only one or two while completely ignoring the worst travesties.

Its all ugly politics. Anita lifted her hand. But lets talk about more pleasant subjects. She forced a smile. Ive loved all of your wedding speeches, Annani. How do you come up with all those beautiful words for all the ceremonies?

Annani smiled. Every couple has a unique story that inspires my words.

Anita leaned forward. Do you write them in advance?

Annani laughed. I used to wing it, but with a different wedding every night, I need to make sure I dont repeat myself, so I write down a few bullet points and read through them before the ceremony. Some repetition is unavoidable, of course, but I try not to bore my audience.

Nodding, Anita smiled. I must admit that I tear up each night, and you know me. Im not usually the emotional type. And its not just during your speech but also during the vows the couples exchange. They are so heartfelt. She cast a smile at her husband. When we got married, exchanging personal vows wasnt a thing. I wish it was.

Our golden anniversary is approaching. Adam reached for her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. We can renew our vows, and this time not use the standard wording.

That is a marvelous idea. Annani clapped her hands. I would love to preside over your vow renewal ceremony. She leaned closer to Anita. Perhaps it could coincide with your retirement? Allegra and Phoenix would love to have their grandmother near.

Anita let out a sigh. My granddaughters are surrounded by a loving and supportive community. Im sure they would love to have me close, and I would love that as well, but the children I help in Liuma need me, and I cant abandon them.

I am sure you can find a replacement, Annani said.

I wish that was true. People are willing to volunteer for a few months, sometimes a year, but its a rare soul that is willing to make Liuma their home.