Page 46
46
KYRA
K yra stepped off the bus, scanning the parking garage for familiar faces. She'd half-expected to see Jasmine and her nieces waiting for them, and she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that they weren't there—not for herself, but for Soraya and Rana.
"I thought Jasmine would be here," she said quietly to Max as her sisters and their children gathered behind them.
"She probably wanted to prepare a proper welcome in their homes." Max put his hand on the small of her back. "Jasmine is not the type who would let an opportunity for celebration go to waste."
Yamanu and the Kra-ell warriors filed out after them, their expressions relaxed now that they were safely back home.
"Where do we go now?" Soraya asked, herding her nephews and nieces together .
"This way." Max pointed toward the bank of elevators lined along the far wall. "The village is above us."
Kyra led her family across the garage, noting how they huddled together like a small flock of birds, their eyes darting around the cavernous space with mostly awe but also uncertainty.
"Is this America?" Arman asked.
Parisa smiled, ruffling his hair. "Yes, my sweet. This is a little tiny piece of America."
They divided into groups for the elevators, with Max, Kyra, and the family squeezing into the first one while Yamanu and the Kra-ell took the other.
Standing in silence they all faced the doors, waiting for them to open, and as they did so to reveal a magnificent glass pavilion, Kyra joined in her sisters' collective gasp. It wasn't just because of the unique structure or the beauty of the village beyond; it was because of the assembled crowd waiting for them in the pavilion.
A banner was attached to the opposite wall, its Farsi script declaring 'Welcome to the Village' in elegant calligraphy. Jasmine stood front and center, flanked by Ell-rom, Kian, and Syssi on one side and Arezoo, Donya, Laleh, and Azadeh on the other. Behind them was Fenella, who stood together with an immaculately dressed blonde woman, who Kyra guessed was Ingrid, the interior designer Jasmine had mentioned. The one in charge of housing in the village .
But Kyra barely had time to register the welcoming committee before a piercing cry cut through the momentary silence.
" Maman !"
Arezoo broke from the group, running toward them with Donya and Laleh hot on her heels. Soraya stumbled forward, her arms opening just in time to catch her daughters in a fierce embrace. The four of them collapsed together in a tangle of limbs and tears, clinging to each other as if afraid that a sudden wind might tear them apart.
Not to be outdone, Azadeh raced forward and launched herself at Rana with such force that her mother staggered, steadied only by Parisa's quick hand at her back. Mother and daughter held each other, sobbing openly, the weeks of separation and fear dissolving in an instant.
Kyra felt her own eyes burning as she watched mothers and daughters reunite, her heart so full it seemed to press against her ribs. She felt Max's arm settle around her shoulders, anchoring her as waves of emotion swept over her.
"You made this happen," he whispered against her hair.
"We did it together," she corrected.
The other kids hesitated for a couple of moments before also launching themselves at their cousins, and then their mothers joined the happy tangle as well.
The elevator chimed again behind them, and as Yamanu, Jade, and her crew stepped out, they got a clapping ovation from the assembled crowd.
Yamanu bowed while Jade and her crew looked uncomfortable and used the first opportunity to slink away.
Jasmine approached through the commotion. "Mom," she said, embracing Kyra. "I knew you would get them. I just didn't know how much trouble it would be. I should have gone with you."
"Your cousins needed you here." Kyra hugged her daughter fiercely, and the surreal nature of the moment washed over her.
Here she was, surrounded by family she'd only recently discovered—a daughter grown to womanhood without her, sisters she didn't remember, and nieces and nephews she was just getting to know. After decades of isolation, of belonging nowhere and to no one, she suddenly had family connections extending in all directions.
"I can't believe we're all here," she murmured against Jasmine's hair. "That we are all safe."
"Believe it." Jasmine pulled back to gaze at her with shining eyes. "Welcome home, Mom."
Kyra nodded and looked at Kian, who waited patiently until the sobs and sniffles subsided.
He then stepped forward, raising his hands for attention. The crowd gradually quieted, though the reunited families remained intertwined, reluctant to separate even briefly .
When he started speaking, it was through a translating device, but Kyra didn't see the bulky teardrop.
"On behalf of the Clan Mother and members of this community, I extend to you our warmest welcome." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. "Here, you will find safety, and most importantly, you will find family—both the one you were born into and the larger one that embraces you."
Kyra was deeply touched by the warm welcome, her emotions overwhelming, and as she turned to look at her sisters, she was glad to see that they all looked appreciative and accepting without the snark they had exhibited before.
There was something about Kian that brooked no argument, a sincerity that permitted no doubt, not even from her skeptical sisters.
Syssi stepped forward, her multi-toned golden hair gleaming in the late afternoon sun. "Tomorrow, we'll have a proper celebration at the village square, but today is for rest as I'm sure you're all exhausted. Jasmine, Ingrid and Fenella have worked hard to prepare homes for each of your families," she said, her gentle voice a contrast to Kian's authoritative tone. "They're fully stocked with food and all the necessities. I know that you had to leave most of your possessions behind, but I don't want you to worry about a thing. Everything you need will be delivered." She turned to Jasmine. "I leave it to you to explain how things work around here. "
"Thank you," Soraya said, speaking for the group. "For the rescue and for your hospitality. It is all a little overwhelming at the moment, and I don't know how we will ever be able to thank you properly, but I promise that my sisters and I will put our heads together and come up with something of value that we can contribute to this amazing community."
Syssi smiled, and even Kian gave Soraya an appreciative nod. "Kian and I will leave you in Jasmine's capable hands," Syssi said. "Your new homes are a short walk from here. Have a good night's rest, and we will see you tomorrow at noon for the celebration."
After Syssi and Kian left, Jasmine started herding their group toward the exit. "We should get everyone settled before they collapse," she said. "There's a golf cart outside for luggage, but maybe it's not needed, given how light you are all packed."
"The children don't even have pajamas," Kyra said.
Jasmine snorted. "You underestimate what can be done here in twelve hours or less. There is clothing for everyone, mothers and children. Just the basics for now, but they can order anything they need, and it will be delivered in less than twenty-four hours."
"I'm impressed," Kyra admitted.
Turning around, she saw Fenella, who was walking toward her.
"Quite the homecoming," Fenella said. "Your nieces haven't stopped talking about their mothers and cousins since we arrived here." She threaded her arm through Kyra's. "They were so scared of coming here that Jasmine didn't even tell them to pack their things, but they fell in love with the village at first sight, and they were very happy to have Okidu pack up their stuff and bring it over."
"I totally understand," Kyra said. "It's beautiful here."
Fenella nodded. "I have to admit that the place has its charms, but it's a little too much of a commune for me. I like my independence."
"Where's Din?" Kyra asked. "Wasn't he supposed to be here?"
"He'll get here Saturday evening," Fenella said. "First, he missed his flight because of an accident on the road, then his second flight got canceled, so I told him not to come because those were bad omens. Naturally, the bloke wouldn't listen to reason, so he's coming even though there was a third delay." She turned to look at Jasmine. "That reminds me. Did you bring the tarot cards back? I want Jasmine to do a reading for me regarding Din."
"Of course." Kyra patted her pocket. "I carried them with me for good luck." She pulled out the velvet pouch and handed it to her daughter. "As promised. I'm returning them to you in person, alive and well."
"Thank you." Jasmine took the pouch and held it to her chest. "I knew they would protect you."
Behind them, Kyra heard her sisters' murmurs of appreciation as they took in the carefully designed community, with its gravel and stone pathways winding between Mediterranean-style homes and manicured greenery.
"It's perfect," Yasmin said softly, the first words Kyra had heard from her since they'd exited the pavilion.
"It is, isn't it?" Soraya agreed, linking arms with her sister. "Hard to believe we will be living in this paradise."
"I keep expecting someone to hand us a bill," Parisa said.
"No bills," Max assured them from Kyra's other side. "Everything is provided free of charge, and you will get an allowance for personal expenses. The clan does expect everyone to contribute in their own way once they're settled, though. There's plenty of work for those who want it, and access to online education for you and the children."
"No school?" one of the boys asked.
"There is a school for those who want to attend, but given that you need to learn English first, homeschooling will probably work better until you have command of the language."
"So, what's that for?" One of the girls pointed at a two-story building.
"That's an office building," Jasmine said. "The one next to it is the clinic, and in front of both is the open-air café, which is the busiest spot in the village. It's closed now, but there are vending machines in the back that serve pretty good coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks."
"Can we go there?" Cyra asked.
"Not now, sweetie." Yasmin put her hand on her daughter's head. "Aren't you curious to see our new home?"
The girl nodded. "Tomorrow then?"
"Yes," Yasmin said. "We can go there tomorrow."
The procession continued down a tree-lined path that led to the residential area. The warm Mediterranean architectural style was consistent throughout, yet each home had unique touches that prevented monotony.
"Here we are," Jasmine announced. "Soraya's girls chose this one."
As the three girls dragged their mother toward the entrance, Kyra watched as Arezoo opened the door and ushered her family inside with the air of someone who already considered it her home.
"No one locks their doors in the village," Jasmine said. "We don't even have keys."
It was nice. A little strange, but as someone who had lived most of her life in tents or half-ruined buildings with no doors. Kyra wasn't used to having keys anyway, so she wouldn't miss them.
They continued down the path, delivering each family to their new residence. Rana and Azadeh were next, then Parisa and her sons, and finally Yasmin and her children. Each home had been thoughtfully prepared with refrigerators stocked, beds made, meals waiting to be heated.
"The girls helped with everything," Jasmine said as they watched Yasmin and her children disappear into their new home. "They wanted everything to be perfect."
"This place is more perfect than I could have ever imagined," Kyra said, emotion catching in her throat again.
Only she, Max, Jasmine, and Ell-rom remained on the path now, the others having either entered their homes or departed for their own residences elsewhere in the village.
"Is there a home for us?" Kyra asked, turning to Jasmine. "Or am I just going to stay with Max at his house?"
She didn't really care where she was going to spend the night as long as it was with him.
Her daughter smiled, pointing to a house further away. "That one is Ell-rom's and mine," she said, then gestured to the property across the path. "And that one is for you and Max. If you don't like it, we can switch. I haven't gotten attached to mine yet."
The home was similar to her sisters' houses but with subtle differences—a slightly larger front porch and white rose bushes.
"I'm sure I'm going to love it," she said, then looked at Max. "Do you have a preference?"
He smiled. "Home is where you are, love."
Table of Contents
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- Page 46 (Reading here)
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