"Elma," he began, looking flustered. "I thought, with the storm coming..."

", Marko!" she said, her voice warm and firm. "Come in, you are home."

The scent of roasting coffee— coffee, dark and thick—floated through the open window, mixing with the smell of rain-kissed jasmine. Inside, the room was cool, a sanctuary from the midday Balkan sun.

She pulled out a chair. He sat. She poured coffee. Bujrum again as she set the cup down. Help yourself.

Elma smiled, her eyes crinkling. She didn't let him finish the apology for dropping by unexpectedly. She waved her hand inward, a gesture that encompassed not just the cool room, but her entire home.

Bujrum (pronounced boo-YROOM) is a Bosnian word of Turkish origin, often used to mean welcome, please come in, or help yourself. If you'd like a different type of story, just tell me: What (comedy, drama, fantasy)? What is the setting ? Who are the characters ?

Or, I can tell you more about the meaning of Bujrum and other Bosnian hospitality phrases.

She didn't mean just walk through the door. She meant: you are welcome here, you are safe here, my home is yours.