8. Family

[POV Fany]

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"Next door neighbor came home," Kim explained.

Adrian rose from his seat after a long period of silence.

"Where are you going, Adrian?" Auntie inquired.

"We're looking for the wind."

Alfred left without saying goodbye and went to the second floor.

Auntie. All because of my presence on the night of the engagement. What on earth was I thinking?

"I appreciate you looking after Adrian," she said. "He must have bothered you."

"It's fine."

"I'm perplexed about Adrian. He's been out of control since his father left. You are free to leave him if you so desire."

"What exactly do you mean, Auntie?"

"Adrian may not be able to change, but he will always be your burden. Now is the time for you to depart."

"No, Adrian is a good man; he just hasn't found his calling in life. I'm sure he'll be a different person when he has a goal."

Aunt gave a shaky nod. "I don't want to ruin your life. People will judge you negatively if you get too close to Adrian—"

"I'm happy to assist Adrian, Alfred, Kim, and You. I've been here since I was a child; you're my family; Aunt is like my mother, and my late Uncle is like my father. Or do you want to evict me? So, where can I find family warmth?"

Auntie hugged me tightly, gently stroking my back. She was crying, and I was crying as I hugged her.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

While responding, I wiped her tears "I am always willing to go above and beyond for my family. Tell me what I can do."

"I want Adrian to mature into a responsible individual."

I gave a nod. "Everything will take time to change. Gradually. Rest assured that he will one day make this family proud."

"I appreciate it."

Auntie's face was like fresh-out-of-the-washing-machine laundry, and it made me cry.

Kim and I assisted her to a room on the second floor after she had calmed down.

I approached Al after Aunt entered the room. He sat on the balcony, stretched out and leaning against the wall.

I chastised him. "It's a warm night, huh?"

"Would you like to drink?" Alfred smiled, raised his hand, and offered a bottle of drink to the man.

I sat on the floor against the wall with him, sharing a beer.

"Alright, sorry about that night... if I didn't come."

"Well, that's not your fault," he said.

In the moonlight, I observed Alfred. He used to be a skinny guy. Women's gazes are now drawn not only to Adrian, but also to Al, who is charming and has a body like the Hulk. To be honest, I've always admired Al for his mature attitude rather than his physique.

"Would you like to sleep, Fan?" he inquired. "Don't worry, I'm not going to fuck you."

It's a pity! "Has your head collided with a wall?"

"Maybe."

We both laughed but couldn't get away from each other too much because we didn't want to disturb Aunt inside. We sat for a long time in silence, sharing drinks. Maybe now is the time to open up to Alfred about my feelings. I'm hoping he'll pay attention.

"Melisa is not a good girl, Al. Are you certain that you want to marry her? There are still a lot of good women in the world. It must be simple to find someone who is truly loyal, kind, and exudes the maternal aura to raise your children in the future."

For example, I am ready to be a mother to your children. I wish I had the guts to say something like that.

As he sipped his beer, Alfred shook his head slightly. He responded in hushed tones.

"It's not a question of whether it's good or bad; I'm doing it because I want to. Melisa's father set her up with me in the hopes that I could change her lifestyle, but...." Alfred laughed, gulping down the beer bottle's contents.

Oh well, perhaps now isn't the time to push it over. Other, more pressing issues exist.

"Al, meet with your brother, bring him to clarity, and don't let this matter drag on any longer."

"Does it have to be tonight?"

"Yes, you must. You guys fight a lot, don't you? You always solve problems by "talking like a man."

"Okay." Al stretched out his arms. "Would you like to come along?"

My head shook. Allow them to solve their own issues.

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