He tightly protected the things in his arms as he rushed towards his little granddaughter.
When the little girl leapt into his embrace, he immediately stuffed the bottle of water and cookies into her hands, while he turned his back to outsiders. His hunched body was like a crude wall, wary of anyone coming to snatch from behind.
"Eat quickly, dear, eat quickly."
He trembled as he tore open the cookie wrapper, instantly releasing a scent mixed with grains and fats.
The aroma was amplified in a hungry nose, making even the air seem sweet.
The little girl, already famished, bit into the cookie with tears in her eyes, crumbs fell on her collar, which the old man quickly picked up with his withered fingers and stuffed into his mouth.
He let his granddaughter drink 500 ml of purified water, while he only drank two sips before screwing the cap tight.
As the water slid down his parched throat, carrying a hint of sweet coolness, it made him squint his eyes in pleasure.
