The Runaway Groom

After thinking about it for a long while, Tommy eventually said, "I want to learn how to shoot.”

Irene was speechless while Tommy continued, miming firing a gun. “I saw it on TV. They were like—whoosh!—and hit the bull's eye. That's so cool!”

His little round eyes lit up as he spoke.

Boys would always be boys!

Still, Irene asked, "Don't you think you're too young? Maybe wait another year?"

Tommy shook his little head. "I can use something small."

"Alright, I'll ask around," Irene said. "Let's see if there's anything children like you can learn.”

Then, her tone changed as she said, "Alright, let's start today's lesson!" "Aren't we going to learn how to shoot?" Tommy asked.

“I don't know how to do it, so I can't teach you. I'll ask some people later, to see where you can learn," Irene explained patiently, watching him. "You have to learn what I teach even after you learn how to shoot. You'd have less time to play.”

Tommy's little eyes widened. "I'm just a kid. This is so stressful.”

Irene smiled. "You have a little brother, and that makes you a big boy, so you should act like one!"

he said and compared his height with Irene. Irene patted his little head and picked him up to let him sit on her lap. “You'll grow up to

Tommy quickly replied, "Yes."

and gave

up quickly, but when they are adults, they would miss the carefree life of their younger days and the bliss of

was as if

sad, Mommy?" Tommy asked, looking up at her just

suddenly murmured, rubbing his eyes.

was just brimming

did she

played every trick you played before—can't fool me," Irene said, putting him in his seat at the

was pretending. Was he trying to trick her

once and

see through

Tommy turned and asked, "When is Daddy coming

keep her

sighed ever so subtly—she had no idea

should

the boy. "Did you think you wouldn't have