COMMENT
Chapter 46
As they walked through the Forest Residences, Aron and Evelyn found themselves on the path that led past the Brin residence. Aron, hand in hand with Evelyn, felt her hesitate and stop. He turned to see what had caught her attention and noticed the grapevine in the corner of the small yard ahead.
Memories flooded back to him. He recalled playing in this yard with his brother, and how Mara would call Evelyn outside to sit under the shade of the grapevines. She’d set a small table loaded with snacks for them. His brother, always the tease, would claim he was Little Tiger and deserved the lion’s share. Evelyn, ever so mischievous, would giggle and load his brother up with all the treats.
Meanwhile, Aron, the real Little Tiger, watched in mock exasperation, occasionally plucking at the ripe grapes that hung within reach. Mara was generous; she’d pack the grapes he gathered and let them take the bounty home. Each time, Evelyn would sulk, mumbling how Big Tiger was so naughty for hoarding the sweets and leaving none for her, though she’d still end up eating more grapes than anyone else.
There it stood, the grape trellis, as verdant and inviting as it was in those days of his youth, a living reminder of simpler
times.
Aron turned his head to look at Evelyn. Although he didn’t know exactly what had happened, he could infer from Evelyn’s demeanor that she had probably had a falling out with the Brin family. Now, standing at her own doorstep, she didn’t even dare to move a step forward.
He looked up at the quiet villa. The warm yellow light passed through the windows to the outside.
Evelyn took a deep breath. After a long while, she finally spoke in a low voice, “Aron, let’s go to your place first.”
As she spoke, she took the initiative to pull Aron away. She pretended to be happy and added, “I haven’t been to your place in many years either. I don’t know what it’s like inside now. Aron if it’s too messy inside, I won’t help you clean up.”
Aron’s brow creased, and almost reflexively, he gave Evelyn’s hand a gentle squeeze. He felt someone’s eyes on him someone’s gaze locked in their direction. Keeping his cool, he casually turned his head and spotted a middle-aged man wheelchair in front of the Brin residence-it was Brian.
in a
This was Aron’s first glimpse of Brian since his return to Clusia, and the sight caught him off-guard. Brian sat there, his face a picture of calm resignation, almost blending into the pale, melancholic scene. Yet, it was clear that his attention was fixed on Evelyn.
Reacting instinctively, Aron shifted, positioning himself to obscure Brian’s view. But Brian merely gave them a fleeting glance before wheeling himself back inside the house.
Evelyn didn’t get Aron’s response, so she tugged at him. “What’s wrong? Aron, you’re not angry with me because I said I wouldn’t help you clean up, are you?”
Evelyn was taken aback by this guess and quickly let go of his hand, her face clouded with displeasure. But despite her attempt at indifference, the sorrow and unease in her eyes were unmistakable.
Aron understood that Evelyn was deliberately relaxing herself, she was purposely hiding her own vulnerability.
He suddenly remembered the little Evelyn, who also had all her thoughts written on her face.
And now, she was no longer willful. She had learned how to cover up her true thoughts for herself.
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