Luka Ivanov

“Who is ready for the Museum?” asks Luka excitedly.

“I am!” replies Morana and I, matching his excitement.

“Which museum is this, anyway?” Gavril asks, packing what he needs in his backpack.

“It’s a museum about underwater activity,” Luka replies. “Like how they used to dive back in the days.”

“All right, sounds good.” Gavril puts on his backpack, “let’s go then.”

I take a quick scan, “Do you think they would let you in with that backpack—”

“Don’t jinx it.” He interrupts me.

Morana hops. “Uuu, I can’t wait!”

“Can’t wait to be a rabbit or something? Let’s go.” Luka opens the door and Morana jumps on his back. “Be careful, damn!” Luka hooks his arms under her legs and gives a little push to make sure it’s stable to carry his sister. “Hold on.”

“Woo-hoo!” They both laugh, full of energy.

Luka is the charmingest out of us. He’s well-dressed and pretty elegant without even wearing a suit, ladykiller vibe. Other than that, he seems like a family man sometimes. His caring and loving gestures towards us seem — questionable, but we all know what’s beneath it.

Disappointment burdens us as we found out that the museum closed for today. As I look at everyone, especially Morana, it burdens me even more. They look — unhappy.

“It’s okay, Morana,” Luka comforts her. “We’ll come back tomorrow, okay?” He hugs his sister. “Come on, cheer up, let’s head to the beach.”

Morana returns the hug, but then hesitates to agree. I wish that they could open for today.

The museum staff turns the board over and opens the door wide. “Um, guys”.

They turn back. “Morana, I guess it’s your lucky day!” says Luka.

She jumps and hooks her arms around our shoulders. “Well then? Come on!”

Joy spreads on their faces as they look around. Seeing them happy — my eyes get blurry. A few moments later, I spy Luka looking at a young lady. She seems to be around our age and quite enjoying herself walking around. It looks like she is drawing whatever she sees in the museum. All right, that’s impressive. I guess Luka is —

“Dictator…” My heart skips a beat.

As the voice brings me back to reality, I spot a woman walking past me towards her little daughter. “Oh sweetie, don’t cry. I’m here now.” She wipes the little girl’s tears off her face. “Don’t worry, I’m always around.”