Ice and Fire novel Chapter 196

Jackson smiled, and replied to his son, "Yes, it was. Everyone in the residential compound knew each other very well, and we often played together."

"Really?" said Joe, as he curiously looked at his dad. He continued, "You must have had a lot of friends there!"

"Yes, I had some playmates in my childhood, " replied Jackson.

When Jackson mentioned about his playmates from childhood, Cherry immediately thought of Sally. Sally had grown up together with him too, and it seemed that Jackson remembered his childhood playmates pretty well, especially Sally. Cherry became a little upset, and thought that he still hadn't forgotten their sweet playful days from the past.

"Daddy, can you tell me the stories about you and your friends? I want to hear them, " said Joe. He was really curious about his Daddy's childhood.

"You want…" but before Jackson could complete his sentence, he saw that Cherry had an angry look on her face.

He thought for a while, and then suddenly realized why she was angry. He just looked at Cherry, and didn't say anything more.

"Daddy, what's the matter? Why didn't you continue?" asked Joe puzzled as he looked at his dad. He still didn't know what was going on.

"Joe, there's nothing interesting from my childhood. I'll take you to the military residential compound this weekend. There are several children at your age there, and you can play with them then, " said Jackson. He knew exactly why Cherry had become irritated all of a sudden, and he hastily changed the subject and looked at her from time to time.

"Hooray! That's great, because I haven't got any playmates yet, and I'm looking forward to meeting some!" cheerfully said Joe while he lowered his head to eat again.

Jackson then focused all his attention onto Cherry. He wanted to say something but didn't know how to start the conversation. Jackson thought to himself, 'Cherry is already very angry. If I take the initiative to talk about Sally, will she be even angrier?'

After dinner, Cherry helped Joe to do his homework in his bedroom. After Joe finished his homework, he looked at his Mommy, and with great anticipation, said, "Mommy, you'll sleep with me in my bedroom tonight, right?"

Cherry didn't immediately answer his question, and instead she touched his head, and softly said, "Joe, you're no longer a baby, and I think it's time for you to learn how to be an independent boy."

Joe looked into his Mom's eyes. He wanted his Mommy to stay with him very much, but he also knew that she was right. It would come a time when he'll be all grown up, and he knew that his Mommy couldn't always be at his side forever. He had to learn to be independent, sooner or later.

"Yes, Mommy, I understand, " said Joe as he nodded firmly.

Cherry looked at her son and then smiled.

She didn't leave his room until she saw that he fell asleep.

As soon as she walked out of Joe's room, she saw that Jackson was standing just outside the door.

"What are you doing here?" asked Cherry in a surprised manner.

"Why did you stay with him for so long?" said Jackson, dissatisfied. He then put his hand around Cherry's shoulders, and walked her to her bedroom.