Familial love - part 1

The doorbell rang. Karmen went to answer it.

"Good morning," said Klemen, the brother of Karmen’s husband Benjamin, along with Klemen’s wife Petra and their son Miha.

"Good morning, please come in," Karmen replied. Her and Benjamin’s son, Luka, was standing beside her. Klemen was a handsome, strong, brown-haired young man. Benjamin slowly approached the door and greeted them. He was smaller and frailer than Klemen. He felt a surge of joy at his brother’s visit. Every week when they came to visit, it brought him great happiness and satisfaction.

"We’ve come to help tidy up the house and the yard," Klemen said.

"Thank you so much, I’m very glad," Benjamin said. He looked sickly, weak, and tired.

Klemen was happy that Benjamin appreciated his help. "Are you tired?" he asked compassionately.

"Yes, a little," Benjamin admitted.

"We’ll help you so it’s not too strenuous. You can sit on the couch and rest," Klemen suggested.

"As I understand it, you need your rest," said Petra, who had known him this way since she first met Klemen and started living with him. She always felt a deep sympathy for Benjamin.

"Thank you very much," Benjamin said. He slowly made his way to the sofa and sat down, as he truly felt the need for a rest.

"I’m going to mow the lawn now," Klemen announced.

"And I’ll clean the house," Petra added.

"I’ll start on lunch," Karmen said.

Miha went outside with Klemen to help him with various chores. "Please sweep the garage," Klemen told him. Miha took a broom and swept the garage.

Meanwhile, Klemen filled the lawnmower with gas, wheeled it out to the grass, and began to mow. Nothing was too difficult for him. He loved working and helping his brother.

Benjamin turned on the television and watched a movie. He was happy and content to be able to sit and rest while the others did the heavy lifting around the house. Of course, mowing wasn't a hard task for Klemen—he was strong and could walk for ages. Even Petra, who was dusting the cabinets, could stay on her feet all day. Benjamin rested his head on a pillow. He glanced toward the kitchen. Karmen was cooking lunch, assisted by her son Luka, who was two years younger than his cousin Miha.

"Luka, go get the potatoes," Karmen instructed. Luka grabbed a bucket and ran down the stairs to the basement. He gathered the potatoes and returned to the kitchen.

Benjamin was glad his son was so hardworking and that nothing was too much trouble for him. He looked to the other side of the room. There stood his crutches, which made walking easier by transferring the weight from his legs to his arms.

Luka looked at his father. Dad is resting. He has to rest.

"Now we’re going to peel the potatoes," his mother told him. Karmen and Luka peeled the potatoes together. They were both very skilled.

As they worked, the pleasant aroma of onions sautéing in a pan wafted through the kitchen. Karmen planned to make potato goulash—a dish everyone loved, especially Benjamin.

Luka watched with pride at how quickly and precisely he could peel. "Mom, I think I’m already better at this than Miha," he said with a smile.

Karmen looked at him and smiled back. "I think you might be right. But Miha is older and he’s learning too. Next time, you two can have a competition to see who peels faster," she joked. Luka laughed and said, "I’ll win!"

Meanwhile, Petra was cleaning the living room shelves with a cloth. She worked slowly but thoroughly. She noticed more dust than usual on some shelves. "How long has it been since you last cleaned this, Benjamin?" she asked with a laugh as she wiped dust off old books and figurines.

Benjamin gave a slight smile from the couch. "Probably too long. You know, I have to be more careful now because I tire easily. Most of the work falls on my wife, but she can’t do it all alone," he admitted, though there was no sadness in his voice.

Petra understood. "It’s okay, that’s why we’re here to help. Though it wouldn't hurt to clean a bit more often," she teased gently. Benjamin’s smile widened.

While cleaning, Petra came across some old photographs. An image from Benjamin’s youth caught her eye. "Look what I found! A photo from your school days."

"Those were good times," Benjamin said, smiling.

"I see you were already a bit frail back then," Petra said sympathetically.

"Yes, even then," Benjamin replied.

"Did you have a wheelchair back then?" she asked. Outside the house, Benjamin used an electric wheelchair, which he kept in the basement.

"Yes, I did," Benjamin said.

In the basement, Miha spotted his uncle’s electric wheelchair. It made him think. It seemed a bit too large for his uncle. His uncle was smaller than his father. It would fit his father, but it looked oversized for his uncle. However, he didn’t consider that his uncle was stouter than his father. His father didn't need a wheelchair; he was strong and could walk. His uncle needed it because he was disabled. His father had once told him that his uncle had a certified 100% physical disability. Miha didn't know exactly what that meant, but he knew the wheelchair was always there. He had clearly had it forever. That was likely what that mysterious word meant.

He pushed those thoughts aside and continued working so he could go outside to be with his father as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, out in the yard...

Klemen handled the mower as if it were an extension of his own arms. Miha finished sweeping the garage and ran toward his father. "Dad, Dad, is there anything else I can do to help?" he asked enthusiastically.

Klemen stopped the mower and wiped his brow. "Hmm, let me see... I know! Go get the rake, and when I finish mowing, we’ll rake the grass together. Deal?"

"Deal!" Miha shouted and ran toward the shed.

After a few minutes, Klemen got back to mowing. As he moved along the edge of the garden, he noticed the neighbor's dog, Rex, playing behind the fence. The dog's barking broke the silence, but it didn't bother Klemen. He was focused. The lawn was large, but that didn't stop him. Every meter covered was progress.

Meanwhile, Miha had brought the rake and was waiting at the edge of the lawn. He stood with his hands on his hips like a little foreman supervising the work. When Klemen finally turned off the mower, Miha rushed toward him. "My turn! My turn!" he said, beginning to rake the clippings.

Klemen sat on a wooden bench by the house, watched Miha for a few moments, and smiled contentedly. "You’re good, Miha. You’re doing a great job."

"Of course I am," Miha said confidently. "The grass doesn't stand a chance against me!"

Back in the kitchen...

Luka finished peeling the potatoes. "Mom, can I cut the potatoes now?" he asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"Of course, but watch your fingers," Karmen warned as she handed him a knife. "I'll show you how." With careful precision, she demonstrated how to cut the potatoes into even pieces. Luka caught on quickly and started cutting. His hands were nimble, but he made sure to be careful. "Look, Mom, is this okay?" he asked, holding up a piece.

"Perfect, Luka. I'm very proud of you," Karmen said, as the stock simmered slowly on the stove.

In the living room...

Benjamin got up from the couch. He had to go to the bathroom. He walked slowly, and when he finished, Petra spoke to him:

"We're going for a walk after lunch. Are you coming with us?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm coming," he said.

"We'll take your wheelchair so it won't be too tiring for you," Petra said.

"Thanks, that would be great," Benjamin said happily.

Out in the yard...

Miha and Klemen raked the last of the grass. "Phew, Dad, this is exhausting," Miha said, breathing heavily.

"Well, now you know why I always say you have to work with your head, not just your strength," Klemen said with a wink. "But you were my best helper today. Without you, I would have been working for another half hour."

Miha beamed with pride. "Does that mean I'm your helper forever now?" he asked seriously.

"Of course," Klemen said, leaning down to pat him on the shoulder. "But that means you'll have to help even more, you know?"

"Deal!" Miha shouted, lifting his rake in the air as if he had just conquered a mountain.

When everyone gathered at the table...

Lunch was ready. The goulash was just the right thickness, and the potatoes were nice and soft. Karmen placed the bowl on the table. The smell was divine. Petra brought a bowl of fresh salad she had picked from the garden. Luka helped set the plates and cutlery.

"Lunch is on the table!" Karmen called out. Miha was the first to arrive, running in from the yard and rubbing his hands together as if preparing for a great feast. Klemen followed slowly behind him, and Petra handed him a towel.

"Wash your hands first, Miha," she reminded him.

"I will, I will," he sighed, running into the bathroom.

Benjamin slowly rose from the couch and made his way to the table. Klemen helped him with his chair. "Sit down, brother. Everything is ready today. Just enjoy," he said.

"You really are the best family," Benjamin said as he sat down, his eyes full of gratitude. Everyone sat, exchanged smiles, and began their lunch.

"We got a lot done today," Klemen said as he poured a glass of water.

"Everything is easier when we work together," Petra added.

"That's for sure," Benjamin agreed, taking his first spoonful of goulash. "And the goulash is excellent."

"Of course it is," Karmen said with a smile. "We made it together."

"It smells divine," Klemen said, looking at Karmen as she placed the final pot of potatoes on the table. "Better every time," he added with a grin.

"Thanks, dear," Karmen replied. "But this time, Luka played an important role. He peeled and cut all the potatoes himself," she said, winking at her son.

"Really? Luka, I have to try this," Klemen said, putting a large piece of potato on his spoon. "If it's good, you'll have to do this every time from now on!" Luka laughed, his smile full of pride.

"Deal, Uncle! But if it's the best potato yet, I want dessert!" he quickly added.

"That’s the spirit!" Klemen laughed. "But remember, you have to earn your reward. Maybe your dad will give you a coin for ice cream if you're a good helper this afternoon."

Miha was already sitting at the table with his elbows up, waiting impatiently. Petra gently nudged his shoulder. "Table manners, Miha, please," she reminded him, and the boy quickly took his hands off the table.

"Sorry, Mom," he murmured, but his eyes were still fixed on the bowl of goulash. "Can I have the biggest piece of meat?" he asked.

"Everyone gets the same, young man," Petra said, winking at him. "But since you worked so hard today, you get the first serving. How's that?"

Miha grinned. "Okay, but then I want the biggest one!"

Everyone at the table laughed. The air was filled with warmth, relaxation, and that pleasant sense of home that comes when a family gathers. Karmen served the goulash and potatoes, Luka made sure everyone had enough, and Petra placed the fresh bowl of salad in the middle of the table.

"Welcome to our table," Karmen said, looking at everyone with love. "We're a great team today, so we deserve a good lunch. Enjoy!"

"Enjoy!" everyone repeated in unison as they began to eat.

Benjamin slowly took his first spoonful of goulash and closed his eyes as he tasted it. "Mmm, this is really good," he said after swallowing. "This goulash is a winner. Luka, you did a great job."

Luka was over the moon. "Thanks, Dad! I knew it would be good! Next time, I’m cooking the whole thing myself," he declared confidently.

"Now, now," Karmen laughed. "A little more training first. But I admit, you were an excellent helper today."

Once they had eaten, they sat in silence for a few moments. Petra wiped Miha’s messy chin while he tried to wipe his hands on his pants until she caught him. "Miha, what did we say about that?"

"Oops, forgot," he said with a mischievous grin.

Klemen winked at Benjamin. "Alright, brother, get ready. It’s time for a walk. We’ll take a slow stroll around the village; maybe we’ll bump into some neighbors."

Benjamin nodded. "Benjamin, you’ll go in the electric wheelchair so you can drive yourself," Klemen said.

"Great, I can't wait. I’ll head to the chair," he said, slowly rising from his seat. Klemen jumped in to help him to the garage, where the electric wheelchair was kept.

Benjamin got dressed and sat in the chair. Petra put on her jacket and shoes. Miha and Luka were already at the door, ready for an adventure. "Let’s go! Who’ll be the first to the fence?" Miha shouted, already running across the yard.

"Hey, not too fast, don't trip!" Petra called after him, but Miha was already far ahead. Luka ran after him but quickly stopped to wait for his father.

Benjamin drove his electric wheelchair while the others walked beside him. Luka was used to his father being in the chair whenever they went out—it was so he wouldn't get too tired and so his legs wouldn't give out at the wrong moment.

When they reached the stream, they stopped. Miha and Luka began throwing small stones into the water, while Klemen clapped Benjamin on the shoulder. "Look at them. In a few years, they’ll be doing all the work while we sit back and watch," he said, laughing.

Benjamin smiled and looked toward the children, who were already debating which stone would skip the most times across the water. "Maybe you're right. But we’ll still have to teach them a thing or two," he said, and Klemen nodded.

"Of course, brother. But I think we're on the right track."

A gentle breeze blew through the trees, the leaves rustled, and the birds chirped. The sun shone through the canopy, and Benjamin lifted his face to the rays. "It's a beautiful day," he said softly, but loud enough for Klemen to hear.

"It truly is," Klemen replied, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

Petra looked at them. "Would anyone like coffee when we get back home?"

"Me, me!" Miha shouted, making Petra laugh.

"You get cocoa, little foreman," she said.

Luka stepped up to Benjamin and leaned against his wheelchair. "Dad, will you have coffee with us?"

"I will, but only if you're the one who makes it," Benjamin said with a broad smile.

"Deal," Luka replied, winking at Klemen. "But you'll have to say it's the best coffee in the world again!"

"It's a deal, my master," Benjamin said, laughing as the group slowly made their way back home.