The Intruder

“You’re here, Bree,” Gaspher greeted as Bree walked into the terrace of Gaspher’s home. She smiled at the evening lights and flowers that made the room shine bright.

“This setting is so beautiful. Who arranged this?”

“My fiancee. Anyway, where is little Ariel? Did she insist on staying home?” He asked when he looked behind Bree and the child was nowhere in sight.

“That can never be Ariel. She follows me wherever I go, sticking to me like a magnet.” Just then, Ariel ran into the terrace. “Oh, she's here.”

“Uncle Gaspher.” She ran into his embrace.

“Our little mermaid. How are you?”

“Uncle, I'm fine.”

“I can see that. Plus you look super pretty in this pigtail. Super cutee…” His laughter died down when his eyes fell on the tall man who came to stand beside Bree, his hands buried in his pocket as he stared around, uninterested. The awkward silence broke as Ariel squealed and jumped to her grandfather who just arrived beside Gaspher.

“Grandpa, you look younger than the last time we saw