Julian shared most of what happened at school that day with his mom.


    However, he kept quiet about Adrian wanting to be the older brother and always getting upset, because he had promised Adrian he wouldn''t tell anyone.


    His uncle had once said that good friends keep their promises.


    After listening to him, M nodded thoughtfully. "So, you want to be good friends with him and y together, but he doesn''t seem to want to y with you as much?"


    Julian tilted his head, pondering for a while, and then nodded gently.


    M was a bit troubled by this.


    She had chosen her words carefully, but it seemed to her that the child Julian spoke of might not enjoy ying with him. Yet, this was the first peer Julian had gone out of his way to befriend, and such opportunities were rare.


    She considered for a moment and asked, "If you really want to be friends with him, maybe you could try sharing a gift?"


    It was worth a try.


    Everyone, young and old, loves receiving gifts. A child, in particr, might be more straightforward in their thinking-happy to receive a gift, possibly more open


    to friendship. Over time, if they found they got along well, they could be good friends.


    And if it didn''t work out, they''d think of another ymate for him.


    "A gift?" Julian tilted his head slightly.


    M smiled, "Yes, something tasty or fun, anything you like."


    Julian thought for a while, looking conflicted. "I like the candle you gave me, Mom, but I don''t want to give that away."


    He was always honest about these things.


    Anything his mom gave him was precious, and he wouldn''t even let his uncle touch it, let alone give it away.


    Anyone would be pleased by such sincerity, and M was no exception. She beamed as she tousled Julian''s hair, her voice gentle.


    "If·


    f you want to give a candle, I can make another one for you to give him, okay?" Julian''s eyes lit up, but he hesitated and asked quietly, "Will it have lots of animals on it too?" His reluctance was in in his voice.


    M suppressed augh and pinched his nose yfully. "Okay, okay, I''ll just paint one animal, how about that?"


    Julian blushed, burying his head in his mom''s embrace, avoiding eye contact. That meant he agreed.


    As luck would have it, there were still a few candles left from when Eugene had bought somest time.


    She casually picked up a lotus-shaped candle and, on one of itsrge leaves, painted a charming, chubby yellow-and-white cat.


    ...


    Nathaniel returned with dinner to find her deeply engrossed in painting the candle,


    while the child watched intently with bright, sparkling eyes.


    Both were so absorbed that they didn''t notice him entering the room.


    Nathaniel remained silent, quietly setting the food down and moving closer to watch the cat take shape on the candle.


    Coming from a family that collected fine art, he could appreciate the basics even if he wasn''t an expert.


    M''s strokes were steady and sure, bringing the cat to life. Beyond that, it was beyond his expertise, but he could tell it was impressive.


    Wasn''t she supposed to be aputer whiz?


    His gaze drifted to the small table by the bedside, where stacks of sketchesy pressed under a heavy book. He couldn''t see the details, but they were likely drawings too.


    When did she be so skilled in drawing?


    He was still puzzling over this when M finished her work and only then noticed the dimly lit room. Turning her head, she saw Nathaniel smiling at her awkwardly.