Gara was so absorbed in admiring his plants that he didn't notice Madha standing at the front gate.
Madha looked confused—like someone lost—his gaze wandering past Gara, even though the boy was clearly right there in front of him.
Just as Madha turned away, looking even more lost, Gara finally noticed him.
"Madha!" Gara called out quickly before the man could walk any farther.
It was as if the fog in Madha's mind suddenly lifted. His purpose—to meet Gara—snapped back into focus, and he walked straight toward him.
"How's your wound?" Gara asked.
"I haven't checked it yet. I came here hoping you could help me reapply the medicine," Madha replied, full of hope.
"Then come in."
Madha sat on one of the wooden stools while Gara took the one across from him.
Gently, Gara unwrapped the cloth covering the wound. He thought he'd already seen enough surprises for the day after what happened with the squirrel, but this still caught him off guard.
