Evan reluctantly agreed to play games with them.
Kai shouted in front of him, “Uncle Evan, I’m here, come catch me.”
While Sacha called out from behind, “Catch me.”
Evan hesitated, unsure of whom to catch.
“Don’t move, I’m coming!”
“Quick, quick!” Kai excitedly waved her hands, urging Evan to catch her.
…
Entering the house, Elijah saw Freya washing vegetables.
He asked, “Did you finish work early today?”
Surprised to see him, Freya replied, “You’re back early too.”
“I made a reservation at a restaurant, let’s eat out today, don’t cook.” He took the vegetables from Freya’s hands.
Freya said, “I’ve already prepared the rice, I just need to stir-fry some dishes.”
With the vegetables washed and ready, all she needed was to cook them.
“Or how about tomorrow, let’s eat at home today.” She suggested.
She was worried the vegetables might spoil if left too long.
“If you want to treat us, please inform us in advance.” Freya remarked.
Elijah had not considered that.
Nodding, he said, “I’ll keep that in mind next time.”
So, they ended up dining at home that day.
Elijah canceled the restaurant reservation.
Freya added two more dishes upon learning Evan was joining them.
After an hour of cooking, Freya called them to the table.
“Linda isn’t here, bear with my cooking.”
Evan complimented, “It’s very sumptuous.”
Freya glanced at him and said, “You’re just being polite.”
She had prepared all vegetarian dishes – hot and sour potatoes, stir-fried green beans, spinach with mushrooms, tomato and egg stir-fry, squid soup, with braised fish and steamed shrimp as the only non-vegetarian dishes.
During the meal, Sacha mentioned she booked a ticket for tomorrow afternoon.
Linda fell sick upon Sacha’s return and hadn’t been eating well for the past few days.
Freya suggested having lunch outside the next day.
Elijah would naturally handle the restaurant reservation.
Evan hesitated several times, trying to say something with his fork in hand.
Thinking he was about to ask for leave, Sacha gave him a warning look, indicating he couldn’t take time off.
Evan shook his head.
He wasn’t asking for a long break.
Just half a day off.
Could he skip work tomorrow morning if Sacha had a ticket for the afternoon?
“I’ll make the reservation for tomorrow’s meal, it’s on me.”
Evan tried to please Elijah, “Can I have the morning off tomorrow?”
Elijah looked up and saw through his intentions with a slight “hm.”
…
The next day, Freya took a day off.
Sacha and Evan went out for a date.
Leaving her with Elowen, Kai pouted on the sofa.
Freya held Morton in her arms and asked Kai standing next to the sofa, “Kai, what’s wrong?”
Kai pouted, “I don’t want Auntie to leave, I want to play with her.”
Freya explained, “Auntie has to work.”
Kai asked, “Can’t she not work?”
As Freya sat on the sofa, she caressed his head, “Mom will play with you more in the future.”
Kai replied earnestly, “You didn’t lie to me, but you haven’t played with me.”
Freya realized she hadn’t spent much time with him.
Seeing his lack of trust in her, she felt a pang in her heart.
“I’ll make it up to you in the future.” She reassured him softly.
Kai still doubted, “Is it really true?”
“Of course, it’s true.” Freya affirmed.
After a moment of thought, Kai said, “I’ll believe you for now.”
He then nuzzled into Freya’s lap, “I wish Auntie could live with us.”
He enjoyed playing with her.
Usually, it was Elowen and Linda taking care of him.
Elowen, being young, couldn’t play with him like siblings.
Sacha was playful and got along well with Kai.
His fondness for her wasn’t surprising.
At noon, Elijah returned home.