Shelf Life
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This time she spotted him first, having been playing with Den on the veranda that afternoon.
She stood up, just as the familiar figure turned from conversing with his little brother.
"Hey," came the sheepish laughter. "I need a repair again."
Her trained eyes assessed the artificial limbs quickly, and were silently relieved to find no major destruction.
She crossed her arms. "Your warranty has expired, you know."
Ed pouted. "I know! I'll pay, all right?"
"And we don't guarantee the quality of service when the customer doesn't perform proper maintenance regularly."
"Ugh..."
"Site visit is available upon request. The customer should inform us of the time and place via writing or telephone--"
"Aah, I get it! Winry!"
"Nii-san! I told you to just mail those letters already!"
"A-Al! Wh-what letters are you talking about!"
Her lips twitched up. "Come on in."
She turned and walked into the house, the two grown boys following behind her.
Four years, huh.
"About time, Ed," she murmured.
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