When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“No! I’m not done with them…” Audrey raised her spoon defiantly at John’s impudent grin before realizing that he was teasing her. She pouted. “Bad Uncle John! Leave me alone!”

John made a slight grimace and pretended to dab his tears with a napkin. “Goodness, she’s going to grow up to be a heartbreaker and snub me, her dear uncle. I’m so sad. I don’t want to be here anymore. I’ll move away tomorrow.”

The kids stared at him in horror, sharing the same sentiment that breakfast had taken an abrupt detour, while the adults watched as John put on an engaging performance.

When Audrey seemed unimpressed, he pumped out more tears and sniffled noisily, almost sobbing at that point.

Only then did Audrey soften a little. A moment later, she hesitated for a while before taking her candy-shaped Lego and offering it to him. “I’m sorry, Uncle John. Please don’t cry. I still love you the most. Good kids are brave and shouldn’t cry.”

Her little hand reached out to pat his head, just like how we would comfort a crying child.

John lowered his head a little to accommodate her, and Audrey cradled his head with both hands, kneading his ears. “Okay, I’ll give you a hug. Stop crying.”

Her expression was solemn, unaware that John had flashed a cheeky smile at us.

anymore and cleared his throat, hinting that John should quit while

protest because his daughter had never

continued, enjoying

resounded, “John Stovall! Who are you putting a show for? I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m not giving you

and John immediately straightened in his chair,

and

bad mood

may be overworked and tired. It’s nothing. Back to our meal. She will settle down after a while.” John brushed

lose her temper and didn’t realize that she had been tricked by

after Emma left. He wiped his hands with a napkin, then his mouth before

footsteps betrayed his worry for Emma and made

not a big deal in marriage as long as one got married to the right person. After all, tolerance and love were essential in maintaining

the doctor was doing a consultation for Marcus. Ashton sat with me as we waited in the corridor

Marcus, but only the doctor and nurse