In the afternoon, Raphael went to get Brantley from school.

Together, they ventured to the grocery store, procuring vegetables, meat, and fruit.

Brantley, mindful of their circumstances, eschewed costly imported fruits he was used to, opting for budget-friendly apples.

Raphael purchased two coconuts, deftly inserting a straw into one and offering it to Brantley.

Brantley tentatively sipped the coconut water, finding it surprisingly delightful.

He held Raphael’s hand tightly, but deep down, he wished Elissa would one day hold his hand like that too.

The bond of blood made him feel that no matter how good Raphael was, he couldn’t replace the closeness he felt toward Elissa.

When they got home, Raphael noticed some snacks and a set of toys for children on the small dining table.

They looked quite expensive.

He knew Elissa had been very frugal since they had come down in the world and wouldn’t normally buy such things.

Raphael glanced at Brantley and remarked, “These must be from Elissa.

don’t you

Brantley was taken aback.

really

turning to them, “I

chuckled and gave Brantley a

the toys and snacks to

down, a thought

dashed over to check his pillow and found

inhaled deeply, noting it smelled

there,

the

stood quietly at the door,

cry on it again, no one will dry it for

quickly stopped crying and

“You Little trouble!”

eyes were

he was too short to reach, so he just looked up at

were getting the better of

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