The Day I Kissed An Older Man

As the twins’ mother, Corinne was worried they would cry at being left at the kindergarten, which happened a few days ago.

The twins were crying when she went to pick them up, but on this day, they came out smiling instead.

“That’s wonderful. Since you two have been so good, you can each choose a balloon you like.”

“Yay!”

“I want the bunny!”

The twins skipped and hopped over to the old man selling the balloons. The old man kindly bent down so that it would be easier for them to choose which balloon they wanted.

Corinne felt relieved to see the twins getting used to their days at the kindergarten.

go to pick his balloon. Instead, he stood alone with

don’t want a balloon?” Corinne asked him

her with surprise.

Why wouldn’t

up. “Thanks, Mommy!” he said,

old man selling the balloons. However, he stood waiting until the twins finished choosing their balloons

could not help but frown

and would be going to elementary school

more sensitive. When he was still a toddler, he would express himself and talk to Corinne nonstop despite not being able to speak clearly

the twins were born, too. However, the twins’ arrival also brought to light the difference in treatment between an adopted son and biological children. He then became more cautious in his behavior until he became almost too silent

to himself, and it always made her heart ache

to see Joey living so timidly. She would prefer him to behave like kids his age, like acting stubbornly or throwing a tantrum or two. However,