Briony emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming dish of freshly made meatballs in rich tomato sauce.

"Hold on, Nina, don't come too close-watch out, it's hot."

At her warning, little Nina promptly grabbed her friend Mario's hand and pulled him aside.

Only when Briony had set the food on the table did Nina tug Mario over to her side and present him with pride.

"Mom, look! This is Mario!"

Nina gently nudged Mario forward until he stood right in front of Briony.

Briony smiled. Her daughter was a little social butterfly, always inviting friends over, so she was more than used to it by now.

She crouched down as usual, ready to greet her daughter's new friend. But the moment she met Mario's pitch-black eyes, she froze.

A strange, indescribable feeling swept over her.

Mario stared back at Briony. His big, dark eyes reflected her face, and his expression stayed blank and unreadable.

Nina leaned in close and whispered in Briony's ear, "Mom, Mario isn't like most kids. Carol says he doesn't really like to talk."

Briony frowned slightly at that.

Not like most kids?

Just then, James and Carney walked in from outside, with Carol following behind.

and gave Briony a polite smile. "I hope it's not too much

returned the smile, nodding. "Not at all. Are you

"Mario's parents are busy with work. He's a little on the

So that was it.

sighed softly. "He's such a beautiful, sweet child. Life must not have been easy for

went through a lot just to bring him into

Mario, her thoughts drifting to her own son for a brief moment. "He really

out to touch Mario. She knew

a gentle touch from a stranger

said, "He's a really good kid, just very quiet. New people

relax in the living room for a bit? I just need to finish a few more dishes

you don't have to go to so much trouble!" Carol said, a bit flustered. "Let

isn't

Mario? Briony is so

his gaze fixed

expecting Mario to

and, under all their watchful eyes, gently reached out and wrapped his tiny hand around

a split second, the room went

formed a perfect "O" of

looked down, her gaze

gripped her finger, something tightened in

unexplainable feeling washed over

you," Mario said, his voice

for Mario, it was a

shimmered with tears. She pressed a hand

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