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!"

up to let him sit on her

Tommy quickly replied, "Yes."

gave him a bear

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

was as if troubles came

Mommy?" Tommy asked, looking up at her just then. "Nope," Irene

sleepy, Mommy,” Tommy suddenly murmured, rubbing his

brimming with

she

fool me," Irene said, putting him in his seat at the table.

that he was pretending. Was he

adults were children once

would see through

turned and

keep her eyes

and sighed ever so subtly—she had no idea how Isaac was doing,

should call

at the boy. "Did you think you wouldn't have to study if I