Chapter 286: Regrowth (4)

I returned home that evening, a while after sundown.

"Kai!" Aoife shouted as soon as I stepped through the outer gate that led into our settlement. "What happened?" She asked as she ran up and hugged me.

"Nothing," I said with a weak smile. Exhaustion had set in already. "They wanted to do some more tests to see if I'm ok. Just making sure of things, basically." 

My words seemed to calm her down a little, though I could tell she was somewhat unhappy about it still. "I was so worried when I couldn't find you when I came back." She said with a weaker voice. 

"Sorry, Aoife. I wanted to be here to congratulate you." My smile widened. "Congratulations, sis." I hugged her.

"It's fine," She said after I stepped back. "I'm just glad that you're back already." She fiddled with her brown hair. "Mother won't be back for a while though." She added after a moment's hesitation.

I furrowed my brows. "Why? Where did she go?"