Arrival at the house

As they arrived in front of the house of Josip and Marko's parents where Marko also lives, kids were bustling around and two kids, one of 7-8 years old and the other 4-5 years old came running towards the car yelling:

"Daddy, daddy, did uncle Josip and our cousins came too?" in a childish way of talking

"Heey kids, we're here. My bro who you never met until now is finally back. 'Return of the prodigal son' I would say... Ma! Your son is back!" (Marko announcing their arrival)

He didn't even finish the sentence and their mother was already coming out smiling like she saw the sun after a long period of rain which was not too uncommon since in Rijeka it always rained like crazy. (For some crazy reason it was a hot summer day today with no cloud in sight.)

"Josip, my darling, come give your mom a hug!!" (Grandma Mara taking him in a loving embrace)

She was a younger granny who looked like an an older middle-aged woman, only having a granny haircut, but still with a straight back. Her hair was dyed light brown, almost blonde. She had wrinkles but they become irrelevant in that kind of loving face. Brown eyes that speak of a wonderful heart that reaches out to you just to nurture your aches and take care of you when you aren't well, but also a strictness that wouldn't let people slack off.

"Mother. Oh, I've missed you so much! How are you. " (Josip hugging her firmly)

"I didn't mean him, just so you know." (Marko rubbing it in)

Josip hugged his mother and held her for at least 15 seconds. And after two seconds Marko hugged them both and kept on hugging until they all broke apart.

"Akemi, darling, have you kept my son in check for all these years? Come give me a hug." (Grandma Mara with love in her eyes)

"Ah, mother, of course." (Akemi returning the love to her)

As they hugged, the kids just came to sight from the other side of the car because they were a bit shy. They decided to observe just for a moment before they revealed themselves.

"Ohhhh!!! Children! Are you happy to be here for the first time in your lives. Come here, hug your grandma." (Grandma Mara Celebrating her first view of her grandchildren)

"Now you are in trouble kids." (Josip with a smirk)

She pulled their hands ferociously and hugged them tightly, while kissing them on their heads.

"Oh my god are they polite. Most of the kids would try to escape by now. You must be Luka and you must be Kakashi. I've got some candy for you kids. Well, Kakashi, you might want a beer or something other than candy?" (Grandma Mara being a polite host)

"Sorry, obaa-san. I would like a juice please. I am not yet 18 so I can't drink alcohol. I will turn 18 in about a month. I can have a beer then." (Kakashi showing a bit of Japanese culture)

"Oh, so, you'll turn 18 in a month? Well color me purple and sing me a lullaby. Your dad said you can't have any alcohol on the drive here, but I believe it won't be that boring after all" (Marko already preparing a party with his nephew)

"Kakashi, I know what that means, Josip taught me. If you want to, continue calling me like that, but please use chan. then. And Luka..." (Grandma Mara fondly)

Luka already left with the kids after taking some candy, sharing it with his newly met cousins. The older girl was Mirjana and the younger one was also Luka just like our beloved troublemaker. They went to a small meadow next to the house yard. They all seemed happy and started playing hide 'n seek around the meadow with a few yards of people who didn't yell at them for entering.

The rest went into the house. Inside, Marko's wife was waiting, boiling water for coffee. As they came in, she asked:

"Would you like your coffee stronger or a bit more lighter?"

"It's been a long time Jelena, we'll take a strong one, and if you have, make a Turkish coffee. If you don't have any, German is also good." (Josip not being picky)

"Dad, does the coffee here comes only from Germany and Turkey?" (Kakashi with an inquiry)

"Ah, I haven't told you that. When there was only coffee grains, they came from the East and at that time the Ottoman Empire was trying to conquer as much Europe as they could. So, they were our neighbours. Our ancestors had many skirmishes and many full-on battles with them so the name stuck. The instant coffee came from West in time of the Nazi regime. Since people here were not very educated, that name also stuck" (Josip explaining to his son)

"You know, many people still stick with these names because they try to keep as many things thought by their elders alive, keeping their memories alive with their teachings." (Grandma explaining that traditions are important)

"Yes, dad told me about some of the many traditions. Like that singing similar to yodelling and the dance where everyone stands in a circle while holding hands and dancing while a traditional song or music is playing. Also that šargija, the instrument that is iconic for those parts, baking rakija and such from Bosnia. Mask carnival, crowd singing, famous olive oils from these parts and making of the extreme quality vine in basements of some families." (Kakashi showing pride because he knew about it)

At the moment Kakashi stopped speaking they heard a loud song outside  that was heard just away from the house and Josip jumped up from his seat.

"I'll be right back! I can distinguish that voice from a mile away!"

He went out to meet his dad after a long time of not seeing him in person. No words were needed. They hugged and patted each other backs, kiss on the cheek, and went into the house. Grandpa saw Kakashi and Akemi sitting at the table and smiled from the bottom of his heart and said:

"I thought you said you had 2 sons, and I see here a son and a daughter. Did you lie to me?" (Grandpa Vito complimenting Akemi)

"Oh, dad, you don't have to flatter me, I'm not that young anymore. Anyways, let's sit and talk about everything that happened in these years we didn't see each other." (Akemi flustered)

As they sat there they talked and laughed, and after some time cars just started coming and going with families who were all from one big family. Josip's family. Coming to talk to the newly arrived and left after some time, because a lot of people were coming and going and the house kept getting crowded. This went long into the night. As some say 'Only the strongest survive'. Kakashi was also allowed to drink a beer. A few of his cousins who were around his age asked him to drink one with them and talk. After some time everyone left. The day was over with everyone sleeping and hoping not to get a heavy hangover.