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!"

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 become a big man, and you'll have to protect me later. Or do

Tommy quickly replied, "Yes."

and gave him

quickly, but when they are adults, they would miss the carefree life

if

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

Mommy,” Tommy suddenly murmured, rubbing his eyes.

was just brimming with energy just

she

you played before—can't fool me," Irene said, putting him in his

that he was pretending. Was he trying

simply did not understand that adults were children once and would have done

they would see

turned and asked,

would not keep her eyes on him

stiffened for a moment and sighed ever so subtly—she had no idea how Isaac was doing, after

then said, "Mommy, you should

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