The crooked handwriting on the pink paper made Tristan frown subconsciously. As he read through the contents, a subtle blue hue flickered in his eyes.[Cherry, I've liked you since the first day I saw you. Your smile is like sweet candy, and you're as cute as a delicious donut. When we're in third grade, let's be together. What do you think? My mommy says only third graders can date…]Before finishing the content, Tristan tightly crumpled the paper into a ball.His innocent lips pressed tightly together, and his gums clenched, but he couldn't control the surging flame within him.Anger—he had felt it before when his mother was about to leave him behind, and he was too powerless to do anything.His eyes dimmed, and his creased brows suddenly relaxed. He then tossed the crumpled paper into the trash can.-Sophie had been observing the recent interactions between the two kids and couldn't help but feel somewhat worried.Cherry had a personality that was both sweet and adorable, y
"Cherry and I are good friends, so you should be friends with me too," Collin said with a tone of entitlement. He seemed to believe that offering his friendship was a privilege everyone would eagerly accept.When he didn't get the expected response after a few seconds, his thick eyebrows furrowed in dissatisfaction. "Don't you want to be friends with me? I'm Cherry's friend. Do you know, besides her deskmate, she talks to me the most in our class?""What does she talk to you about?" Tristan, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. His usual polite tone carried a barely perceptible chill."Cherry tells me..."The words "to stop kicking my chair" almost slipped out, but Collin held them back. Realizing that it might undermine the domineering demeanor his father had told him to uphold, he straightened his posture and said gruffly, "Why should I tell you?"After all, he was the boy who talked to Cherry the most, and that was enough for him.Tristan's eyes narrowed slightly,
Collin quickly switched to calling her "Charity", fearing that he would get another punch if he used "Cherry" again.Once Tristan got the assurance he wanted, his eyes gradually returned to their usual state, and he regained his calm demeanor. His pale pink lips parted slightly, delivering an indifferent but subtly threatening command, "Now tell me, who gave you this bruise on your cheek?"Collin hunched out of fear and stammered hesitantly, "I… I accidentally bumped into something."-"Cherry, come play with me! It's been a long time since you've challenged me with a riddle." Reyna tugged on Cherry's arm, nearly pulling it off as Cherry rested her head on the desk.It was at this point that Cherry lifted her head. "Stop pulling. I'm not in the mood today."After saying that, she slumped back onto the desk like a deflated balloon, causing Reyna to stare at her with concern.Pushing up her glasses, she asked, "Cherry, you've been saying you're not in the mood a lot lately. Are yo
'I only glanced at him out of curiosity, and he seemed terrified. Could it be that the person who beat him up isn't his dad but someone from school?' The speculation flashed through her mind, and her expression changed. 'Tristan was beaten up near the abandoned flower bed near the cafeteria back then. Could school violence be happening again?'As the car drove on, Cherry's mind raced, and the more she thought, the more worried she became. She shook her head vigorously, hoping to shake off all the nonsensical thoughts out of her mind. 'Hmph! My friendship with Tristan has already crumbled. Even if he encounters school violence again, it has nothing to do with me.'But why would I feel so uneasy?'The driver had gotten accustomed to her constant chatter, so the silence during the drive felt unusual. It was not until he stopped the car that he reminded the little girl behind, "Ms. Cherry, we've arrived home.""Oh, thank you, Mr. Larry." Cherry blushed for a moment but quickly recovere
"Grandpa, if you don't want Soph to worry about you, just take someone with you," Cedric said. He was well aware that Jeff disliked having company during his walks, but the current situation was different.Jeff frowned for a moment before sighing. "You two are always teaming up against me. Fine, I'll get Mrs. Carrie to come with me."With the matter resolved, everyone resumed eating dinner.Cherry reached for the grilled pork near her, but as soon as she extended her fork, she recalled the last time she had offered meat to Tristan. Her brows furrowed involuntarily.'Should I go to the hospital for a check-up? Why am I always thinking about Tristan?'Noticing Cherry suddenly stop with her fork in mid-air, her brows creased, and looking completely lost in thought, Sophie couldn't help but ask, "Cherry, what's wrong?""Me? I was just thinking about something. Mommy, the kid who sits behind me got beaten up. I suspect it might be school bullying." Cherry's quick-thinking mind knew if
Throughout the meal, Cherry regretted speaking up. 'Who cares if Tristan gets bullied or not? Why do I have to get myself involved? Now, I've gotten myself tangled in this mess.'Jeff did not move his silverware the entire time. After everyone finished eating, he stood up with the help of his cane. "Mrs. Carrie, don't clean up just yet. Come take a walk with me in the park.""Alright," Mrs. Carrie said, quickly putting the dishes into the sink. She then dried her hands, removed her apron, and supported Jeff out.Matthew still felt uneasy. Although Jeff's posture was no longer as upright as before, he was still a tall and large man. If something were to happen, Mrs. Carrie, being elderly too, would not be of much help."Dad, how about I go with you? I ate quite a bit tonight too," he suggested."You want to come with me? Do you think I've grown too dumb?" Jeff raised his voice slightly, causing everyone's expressions to change.Even Melissa, who had been unusually quiet today, loo
Jeff sighed, though his face showed no sign of blame. 'If Cedric wants to get to the bottom of this issue, Rylie wouldn't dare hide it from him.'"Mr. Carlson, you know your grandson's temperament. He's not someone I can deceive with just a few words." Realizing he had been found out, Dr. Zegler stopped pretending. "He started suspecting as soon as he was notified about your fall. He said you don't usually like having people accompany you on your walks, but that day you deliberately had two servants with you, which clearly indicated a plan.""That rascal, he does know me well." Jeff snorted, but his stern face showed a hint of relief and pride."Mr. Carlson, please don't be angry with me. I also told your grandson you did this to help him and Mrs. Carlson get back together.""Not angry? How could I not be angry?" Jeff's previously relieved expression suddenly changed.Upon seeing that, Dr. Zegler's smile quickly faded away. "Mr. Carlson...""If you want me not to be angry, you ca
"Keep it from me? Do they really think I've lost my wits?" Jeff jabbed his cane into the ground, but what infuriated him more was himself. Of all the illnesses he could have, it had to be this one! Now even his grandchildren had to lie to him, pretending everything was normal and hiding their discomfort."Mr. Carlson, please don't be like this." Dr. Zegler, worried about Jeff's blood pressure, tried to calm him down.Jeff took a deep breath, slowing his rapid breathing. "There's no need to comfort me. It's just dementia. I've lived a long life and weathered many storms. It's just an illness. It's no big deal."Over the past few days, he had gradually come to terms with this shocking reality. He only wanted to confirm and understand his condition better."It's great that you think that way." Seeing Jeff's optimism, Dr. Zegler was at a loss for words. Everyone's life began as a blank slate, and perhaps leaving with one was not the worst fate."Now tell me, how advanced is my conditi