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The duplex building had a small playing ground at the corner with swings and a warm swimming pool with a hockey area where the kids could play.

As the car parked at the garage, the kids came down one after another. Stephanie was the last. The company's gala had been long. Too long for the children. Her eyes flashed through the surroundings. And as she caught sight of the swings she had loosened from the bolts rolling it up high to the rod. She clutched her bag to her chest and paused. “I wish he was still alive.” She muttered, swallowing hard as her other hand held the tip of her gown. Memories were starting to cloud her vision. She moved to the spot where the swing was then called the attention of her boys. School was out of session. The holiday was here. She thought, as she loosen the seat of the swing, hooking it to the metal bolt.

“Tyler. Perry. Bryan. Come.” She called, and they rushed to her. One after the other she helped them sit on it before slowly swirling it back and front just like her husband always does. While she was away at work, he would sing all three lullabies, play with them until they turned two plus in age.

After a few swings, she held the metal seat slowly bringing it to a stop. A smile of relief washed over her. The first time she had done this in years.

“Mom. Let's go inside.” Perry lifted his face, lips curled slightly. Bryan was already out of the swing . And Tyler was almost approaching the entrance door.

“Sure, give me your hand.” She held onto Perry's hand as they went inside. Bryan rushed to the control switch, turned it on, his hands already tight on the remote control.

“Elena of Avalor, Sofia the first.” He shouted, turning to see if Tyler would counter. He looked back when he saw him walking straight to his room. No words from him. Perry’s face slacked as he leaned into the sofa—Pjmasks wasn't winning today. He stood up, hands reaching over his tablet that laid next to him.

Stephanie went straight into the kitchen with Perry following her from behind.

She opened the fridge, the food frozen to the last—the cooker clean as new.

Her shoulder slouched as her neck dropped.

“Mom. Let me order some pizza.” Perry said from behind, his hands tracing her back.

“Sorry sweetheart,” She lifted his chin. “I forgot to turn off the freezer. But let me quickly make noodles for you and your brothers.” She muttered.

“Okay mummy.” He slid through his tablet, his fingers tapping on the Dough dash app.” I'll just order some pizza before then.” He said casually, before walking out of the kitchen. His footsteps stopped halfway as he scrolled past their address, typing in that of Peter. “This would be funny.” He clicked on the order button. Flashing a cocky smile, he dropped his phone on the dining table and rushed to Bryan whispering “Watch this.”

“Tyler…” The voice of Stephanie called from the kitchen, when she noticed that he wasn't with his brothers—"he was definitely in his room." She thought.

She dished out the noodles and set them out on the dining to cool off. Then proceeded to Tyler's room. He was seated alone in the bed quiet— his eyes dimmed.

“Tyler.” Stephanie called, tilting her head to be sure he wasn't daydreaming again. Like he would always do after every occasion they attend. Silence filled the room until Stephanie tapped him again.

“Mom…” He frowned. “Are the noodles ready?”

“Of course. That's why I came to call you.” She touched his neck again. Her eyes lit with concern.

She lowered herself to the bed frame, her height the same as his staring deep into his eyes.

“Is everything okay?” She muttered. Tyler looked away, still frowning. Before a loud yawn escaped his mouth.

“You’ve been acting all strange since we got back. Is there anything you would like to tell me?” She pressed her palms on his cheeks.

“Look at me.” Her voice—low. “You know you can trust mummy. So tell me,” She swallowed. “What happened?”

“Mom…did any man speak to you at the company gala today?” His eyes shone, his lips pressed tight.

“No. Why? What could be the issue?”

“Never mind Mom. Just checking.” Tyler stood up from the bed backing Stephanie.

“Okay.” She paused, exhaling deeply. “You're gonna have pizza after your noodles. And you're gonna cheer up and join your brothers in the sitting room. Are we good?”

He turned slowly, his face fading into a smile. “Yes mom.”

“Come here give mummy a hug.” Tyler ran to the spot where mom was kneeling and wrapped his hands around her neck. Stephanie stroked his hair softly as they left for the sitting room.

*****

Peter got into his car, tossing his phone to the second seat. He slouched, leaning into the chair, one yawn escaping after another. He raised his phone to his face, swiping through his inbox. Stephanie's address caught his eyes. Two streets away from him. Go see her or go get something to eat. His mind raced. With a deep breath, he gripped the key tightly, started the car and zoomed off. By the time he was home. He sat in his sitting room, leg-crossed— shirtless while he flipped through a newspaper. The headline bearing “Schism schemes divorcees do to their ex’s”

A few moments later, the doorbell rang.

"Who's there?"

"Pizza delivery." The dispatch rider’s voice replied.

Peter’s eyes abruptly flashed to the clock. “I'm not expecting anyone.” He muttered, walking briskly to the door—eyes peeping through a small opening.

He gripped the door handle and opened it staring at the rider.

“You ordered pizza a few minutes ago.” He said, stretching the box towards him.

“No…I didn't.” He slid through his phone. His Door dash app has not opened in days.

“Isn't this your address?” The rider asked, turning the side of the box— the address written below.

Peter paused, read through it one word at a time. Before his eyes flashed back to his phone. The address matching that of Stephanie.

“Thank you. I know the owner.” His voice cracked. “I'll send it across.”

“Alright Sir.” The rider turned, entered his tricycle and rode off.

Peter's grip was strong on the box, his head tilted slightly. “What is Perry up to?” His mind flashed to the company gala,then to the pizza ordered just a few minutes after his arrival. His brain snapped. They were definitely home now and would need this immediately. He shut the door, changed into some shorts and a singlet then drove off in his car.

No 15 Clifford Street, Off Selin city bus stop. He recalled it again when he entered the street. His eyes scanned over one building after another.

“Yeah. That's it.” He smiled. “I bet these kids aren't pranking me.” He shut the car, carrying the box to their doorpost. And with a deep breath he pressed the doorbell.

“Bryan go get the door.” A female voice commanded.

“Stay back Bryan. Let me go.” A child's voice replied, unmistakably Perry's voice.

Peter leaned closer to the door, his lips still cocking a smile.

“Who's there?” Perry's voice was low as his other hand pulled the door softly creating a small opening he could peep.

“Pizza delivery.” The voice deepened. Then Silence. Perry withdrew back his head a little then lifted his eyes to the tall man that stood before him. A white box of pizza in his hand.

“Mom. Come see.” He called, as he slowly closed the door, his grip still on the knob.

“What's that?” Stephanie stood up, adjusting her short garment as she approached the door.

“Is everything okay?” She asked again before pulling the door open. Her eyes met Peter’s eyes. Tall. Familiar. Chiseled jawline. Broad chest. Dominance written all over.

“You're the forensic accountant from the merger team?” Stephanie said, raising her brows.

“Yes. Peter Richard.” He pressed a warm smile. “Sorry to drop by unannounced, your son ordered pizza at my address. So I noticed and quickly brought it back.”

“Perry… how did?..” Her voice cracked.

“The router signal.” Peter pointed. “The dispatch rider showed the original address.”

“Oh!” That's true.” She stretched her hands to take it. Perry's eyes winced at him from the corner. “Wouldn't you mind coming inside?” Perry said as Stephanie's eyes cut at his. Was Perry swinging into execution pretty fast.? Peter muttered.

“Sure. Come in.” Stephanie opened the door and Perry flashed his eyes to him.

“Do make yourself comfortable.”

“One more thing.”

Stephanie stopped midway still holding the box in place.

“Got this inspection I would like you to help investigate.”

“Okay.” His face lit. “Here's my card.” He stretched it to Stephanie.

“Hold it, I'll be right back.”

Peter exhaled, casting one glance at Perry and Bryan simultaneously. Both lips curled in a smirk.

“Come here Perry. So this is what you did.” Bryan muttered, dragging Perry's hand to a small corner close to their room.

“He looks so different today. More like someone I saw on a dating ad yesterday.” Bryan muttered, stealing glances at his tattoos.

“Dating ad?” Perry's mouth grimaced.

“While playing that game I downloaded recently it popped up.”

“What was the ad about?” Bryan asked and Perry pulled back to the wall.

“Family matching. Personality test. All what not.” His face dropped.

“You mean this.” Bryan turned to face him.

“Let me see.” Perry leaned in. The door creaked open from behind. Both drifted backwards as they turned slowly to look.

“Tyler. Mtchew!” Bryan hissed. “You're prowling again.”

“He's just helping me check an ad.” Perry defended.

“You both are moving sneaky.” Tyler's eyes stared deeply into their eyes, before walking briskly to the sitting room.

“I've got my eyes on you both.”