A knock sounded at the door.
The sanatorium's door was old and dilapidated, incapable of stopping anyone. Still... out of courtesy, Bronya knocked a few times and waited for Apponia to open it.
The old door opened with a creak. Apponia was still dressed as a nun, with the faint aroma of food lingering in the air. "Hello, Bronya."
"No, Bronya is the one disturbing you."
"Hehe, Sister Nia~" Behind Bronya, Pardo also greeted her energetically.
There was no need to talk at the door. Apponia quickly welcomed them inside. "Sorry, please wait a moment. I'll make a few dishes and come join you."
"Bronya can help too. If there's no rush, we can have little Pardo go buy some ingredients."
"Yes, yes, I can help too!"
"...Then sorry for the trouble."
After a brief pause, Apponia clasped her hands before her chest in her classic prayer pose.
While they waited, Bronya explained the purpose of their visit. Though the sanatorium was not large, it could still make room for two more people.
During that time, Apponia introduced Bronya to the children and told them they would be having a feast tonight. Her gentle voice overflowed with maternal warmth.
"Sister Bronya!"
"Hello, Sister Bronya!"
The children in the sanatorium were all very well-behaved. They flocked around Bronya, calling her sister in voices as sweet as honey.
"Good. Bronya accepts your kind intentions."
Bronya smiled faintly and bent down to respond to the children. Though she had no similar experience, she still got along with them very well. "By the way, there will be a Sister Pardo later too."
"When she comes back, do you know what to do?"
"We do!"
The children answered in unison. Untouched by the outside world, their young voices were filled with hope.
The clock ticked