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

Tommy quickly replied, "Yes."

and gave him a

do yearn to grow up quickly, but when they are adults, they would miss the carefree life of their

if troubles

at her just then. "Nope," Irene replied, kissing

Tommy suddenly murmured, rubbing his eyes. Irene stared at him

was just brimming with energy just

she feel

played every trick you played before—can't fool me," Irene said, putting him in his seat at the table. "No going to

certainly knew that he was pretending. Was he trying to

once and would have done what they were doing

they would see through them

turned and asked, "When is Daddy

would not keep her eyes on him 24/7 if Daddy

subtly—she had no idea how Isaac

then said, "Mommy, you should call Daddy!

think you wouldn't have to study if