"When we get to Michelle's house, you should greet them politely, okay?" For the whole ride, Leon kept reminding his nephews to behave in Michelle's house. Once they got pass the gates of her community, he repeated his instructions once more. "And don't forget, you should address Michelle's parents as Grandpa and Grandma, got it?"
Growing impatient, Don put his hands on his hips and said, "I know that already, Uncle Leon. You don't have to keep saying it again and again. This is the hundredth time you told us this."
"Don't be so overdramatic, Don. That's not true at all. I've only said this a couple of times." Leon patted the top of Don's head, ruffling his hair in the process.
"My hair! You're ruining my hairstyle! I won't look handsome anymore." With his little hands, Don began to swat his uncle's hand away from his head.
Not knowing his own strength, he slapped Leon's wrist hard until his uncle finally pulled his hand away. Leon grinned and said, "You're still the most handsome boy in the world."
Don raised his chin defiantly and snorted. He then walked towards his brother, ignoring Leon who had just ruined his hairstyle.
Van said to his brother, "Uncle didn't say it one hundred times. He only said it eleven times."
Leon was amazed by Van's observation.
He thought, 'Did I really say it that many times already?'
Without saying anything, Don began to walk ahead.
As they drew nearer the house, Leon stopped and said, "That's Michelle's house right there. Shall we find out who can get there first?"
"Okay!" The three readied themselves, counting down to three before running off towards the house.
They were like arrows flying off a bowstring. Leon eventually slowed down to check up on his two nephews. He couldn't help but smile as he watched his nephews chase each other.
Don was running ahead, shouting all the while. "Aunt Michelle! Aunt Michelle! Come out and play with us!"
Van caught up with his brother, looking him over to make sure that he was alright. He was a bit worried that Don was running too fast, so he had to remind his brother to go slower.
But Don wasn't even listening to him, choosing to run faster instead.
From her room, Elaine could hear children shouting outside. Pulling off her apron, she walked out of the house to see who were making the noise.
She spotted two figures running towards her. It took a few seconds to recognize that they were Nina's sons. They were waving their little arms as they pumped their short legs faster. She couldn't help but worry about them.
"Hey, slow down!"
She took a step forward and squatted down, spreading her arms wide to welcome the two kids. They crashed into her, wrapping their little arms around her.
Elaine hugged them back, smiling widely as she said, "Please don't run so fast next time. You might trip and fall."
"Hello, Grandma," Van greeted her sweetly.
Don greeted her as well and then asked, "Where is Aunt Michelle, Grandma? We want to play with her."
"She is still working." Elaine stood up as soon as Leon reached them. She greeted him before leading the children inside the house.
Her eyes were full of joy and love as she looked at the two cute kids. She had always wanted her own grandchildren.
She began putting out snacks and fruits for the children, allowing them to pick whatever they wanted to eat.
"Just go ahead and feel at home, Van and Don. Let me just cook some delicious dinner for you."
"Thank you, Grandma." Van had always been the more sensible one between the two brothers. It was because of this that Don followed his example and thanked Elaine as well.
Leon volunteered to help her in the kitchen. But as he began to roll up his sleeves, Elaine kept pushing him out.
She couldn't let a prince like him enter the kitchen. It was too small and dirty for the likes of him. It would be shameful to have him help her cook.
Eventually, Leon had to relent, staying in the living room to watch cartoons and eat snacks with his nephews.
He then picked up his phone to ask Michelle what time she would be returning home. Her reply came immediately, informing him that she was already at the gates.
With that, Leon stood up and went out, planning to meet her at the gates. Van and Don were busy eating snacks and watching cartoons, while Elaine was cooking in the kitchen.
Nobody even noticed that Leon had gone out.
Outside, it was already dark. There were two street lamps in front of each house.
But the street lamps on the road were sparsely distributed.
Michelle had lived her since she was a child. As a result, she knew the community like the back of her hand. It didn't matter that it was so dark.
The night wind blew gently. It carried a clear fragrance that entered her nose.
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