I awkwardly stood there at the fire pit for over ten minutes before gingerly using the sleeves of my robes to pick up the hot cup and hustling my way back to my tent, all the while feeling the gazes on my retreating back.
When I got back into the tent, I was hit by two sets of wide, bright eyes.
"Mia!" Abu cheered and launched himself towards me. I had to put my hand on his forehead and hold him off so he didn't get hot water splashing on both of us.
"Careful, Abu! Good morning to you too!" I chuckled as I ruffled his curls.
They had both pulled off their head scarves, and their cute faces were on full display again.
"I'm going to ask for some water so you can wash up." I looked over at the tray of food they hadn't touched while I was gone.
"Aren't you two hungry? Go have some of the food!"
They both moved over to the tray and pulled off portions of cheese and bread for themselves.
