I discreetly nod at him as he extends his hand for a fist bump. I take a moment to comprehend his request and feel a flush of shame as I fist-bump him. He appears unfazed by my uneasiness and escorts me to the nursery, located en route to the River Moon pack home. We await patiently with the other mothers at the gate until a loud bell signals the conclusion of the school day, at which point several children emerge from the creche to reunite with their parents.
“Observe!” Observe, Jadi! We engaged in colour activities today.Bray weeps as he approaches me, a strand of four beads dangling from his hand. He presents the beads to me, proudly displaying his creation to Andrew and myself. “This is intended for you!” He smiles.
He places the thread in my hand as I kneel to his height.
“This is a bracelet for you, observe?” “He states with enthusiasm.” “Pink represents mother because she is as beautiful as a flower,” Bray articulates while indicating each bead. I am fond of the colour green. Green resembles the foliage of trees. You are azure like the sky, and Me-lina is golden like the sun!” He proclaims with pride.” “It is our family.” Do you appreciate it?” He enquires, a broad smile adorning his visage.
I nod in agreement, at a loss for words to articulate the extraordinary nature of this experience.
“Wear it!” Bray emits a shrill sound.
I swiftly adorn my wrist with the bracelet, eliciting a scream of pride from Bray.
“Why am I not receiving a bracelet?” Andrew sulks while Bray erupts in laughter.
“I am uncertain,” he replies with a shrug, turning towards me and smiling. “Shall we engage in a game of Horsey in the Desert now?” “
Oh dear goddess, I am embarrassed, desiring to be engulfed by the soil. I shake my head at Bray, hoping that Andrew remains oblivious, although, as usual, circumstances do not favour me.
“Please wait.” What is Horsey in the Desert?” Andrew enquires, arching an eyebrow at me.
Before I can formulate a response, Bray answers on my behalf.
“Mother and Jadi disrobe due to the heat, and subsequently, Mother engages with Jadi throughout the night in the desert,” he elucidates, while my face rivals a fire engine in its redness. “Mother prohibits me from playing, yet I desire to participate in Horsey as well!” He exhales audibly.
Andrew appears on the verge of erupting with laughter, biting his lip to maintain composure for Bray’s benefit, while Jimmy cackles uncontrollably.
“The entire night, is it?” He pats me on the back and winks, saying, “My man.” I am proficient at Horsey in the Desert. “It is a challenging game,” he chuckles, crouching over and wheezing like a teapot. “I apologize.” That was inappropriate. “I shall leave you both to your amusements,” he chuckles as he retreats. “I propose Horsey in Antarctica as an alternative.” Due to the cold, you remain clothed while observing the penguins parade past,” he chuckles.
Embarrassed by the entire ordeal, I attempt to convince Bray to engage in a game of aeroplane pilot with me; however, he remains resolute in his desire to ride a horse. With little alternative, I hoist Bray onto my shoulders, feigning a horse while he assumes the role of a jockey as we gallop over Antarctica.
At home, Bray assists me in preparing a chicken and rice dinner, and upon Melina’s return, we engage in our daily signing exercise.
“P-please,” I utter, placing my open hand onto my chest and gesturing in a circular motion. This is a request, please.
He replicates the word, articulating it audibly to himself.
“Please,” he grins, displaying his sign to Melina.
“H-help,” I say, extending one hand with my palm upward. I form a fist with my other hand, thumb raised, and place it on my palm. “H-help.”
He expresses gratitude both verbally and through sign language. He subsequently directs his attention to Melina and replicates my gestures. “Kindly.” Assistance required.
I replicate the actions with him multiple times, articulating the words aloud to correspond with the sign. Although it requires several attempts, I am pleased that he is eager to learn. I administer a swift wash to Bray before to Ricky’s return, as Bray is enthusiastic to demonstrate his new signals of the day to his mother.
“You are acquiring knowledge rapidly,” Ricky chuckles, embracing him. “Due to your exceptional intelligence.”
“I am aware,” Bray replies with a shrug.
Ricky salutes me with a kiss. “What was the outcome of today’s training session?” “
“Satisfactory,” I flush. I continue to feel anxious when she requests that I speak. “I have defeated E-Andrew.”
Her eyebrows arch in delight as she bestows upon me a celebratory kiss. “We ought to commemorate.” Would you like to go on a date? On the morrow?She enquires, nervously chewing her lip as she anticipates a reply.
Her inquiry surprises me, yet I respond with an enthusiastic nod.
“Have you ever participated in bowling?” She enquires, breathless with astonishment as I deny her. “We shall go bowling tomorrow.”
“Hooray!” Bray exclaims, applauding with enthusiasm. What constitutes bowling?”
“It is a game,” Ricky responds.
“Similar to Horsey in the Desert?” Bray enquires, causing both Ricky and me to flush.
“A distinct game,” she murmurs, transporting Bray into the dining area.
We enjoyed a delightful supper, during which Ricky detailed her advancements with the girls while patiently awaiting my hesitant account of my training progress. Post-dinner, we convene in the living room for a film, during which Ricky retrieves a pack of Oreos and serves glasses of milk for everyone.
“I recall your fondness for the Oreo Dippin’ Dots,” Ricky articulates while tucking her hair behind her ear. “I believed you would appreciate having the authentic cookies,” she smiled bashfully. “Consumption is not obligatory.” “I may have completely misinterpreted that,” she articulates anxiously. I believed they could serve as an appealing treat, given your fondness for them, or that Melina would be interested in sampling them. However, if you disapprove of them-
I put my lips to hers, causing Ricky to fall silent immediately and surrender to my kiss. Unbeknownst to her, her modest effort constitutes the most benevolent act anyone has performed for me in quite some time. Bray and Melina laugh at us, but I remain indifferent. I am currently the most content individual globally, and nothing and no one can ever deprive me of this state.
