Zachary met her gaze, catching the lively spark and mischievous glint in her eyes.


    He couldn’t help but smile fondly, nose twitching as he actually managed to name a few herbs aloud.


    Alessia’s lips curved in a sly grin, but she offered noment. She led him through twisting corridors, turning left and right, until they stopped before an unremarkable wooden door.


    The door stood slightly ajar. Through the crack, they could spot an elderly man sprawled out in a worn armchair,zily waving a fan and asionally humming along to the radio’s scratchy tunes. A small table beside him was piled high with cakes and snacks–he looked utterly content.


    Out of politeness, Zachary barely nced inside before looking away, careful not to


    intrude.


    Alessia pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. Zachary obediently stepped back behind her. But instead of entering immediately, Alessia waited for her moment. As soon as the old man popped another snack into his mouth, she flung the door wide open.


    “Caught you red–handed, Old Dawson! Sneaking snacks again, are we?” Alessia’s sudden voice startled the old man, who instinctively hid the treats behind his back. “What snacks? I don’t see any snacks.”


    Alessia gave a coldugh. “Why don’t you swallow those chips in your mouth first before you deny it?”


    Busted, Xander Dawson straightened up in his chair. Alessia picked up the teapot, skillfully brewed a cup, and set it in front of him–courteous, but not exactly overflowing with warmth.


    Xander, having just finished his chips and feeling a bit parched, took a long sip. The tea was good, and he had <i>to </i>admit, the girl knew what she was doing. He nodded, savoring the lingering taste.


    “Hand them over,” Alessia said, palm outstretched and expression stern.


    “Hand what over? You imp! You barelye by to visit your old man, I’m lucky if I see you twice in a whole summer!” Xander feigned ignorance, grumbling about her neglect.


    15:37


    “Still want those pastries from Blossom Bakery?” Alessia shot back.


    At this, Xander snorted. “You didn’t bring anything, did you? Trying to trick your old granddad now, are you?”


    Alessia rolled her eyes. “Hand over the snacks, and I promise I’m not lying. Zachary,


    you cane in now.”


    Hearing his cue, Zachary finally stepped inside, a pastry box in his hands.


    “Mr. Dawson,” he greeted, holding out the box.


    At the sound of his voice, Xander turned. Their eyes met, and Zachary nearly fumbled the box. He nced at Alessia, then back at Xander, disbelief written all over his face.


    “Xander…”


    “Easy, Zachary. No need to be nervous,” Alessia said, patting his shoulder and taking the box from him.


    Zachary swallowed hard, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands and feet, his eyes still shining with a hint of awe and reverence.


    “So, you only show up when you need something, huh?” Xander said, sizing up Zachary but really addressing Alessia.


    “We genuinely came to see you, too,” Alessia replied, handing over the pastries. As Xander epted them, she deftly snatched the hidden snacks from behind his back.


    Xander’s eyes widened in protest, but he could only watch helplessly.


    “Come on, didn’t I have Cole bring you some other treats already? These are all greasy and loaded with calories. For a retired doctor, you sure don’t watch what you eat.”


    “What do you know, kid? I’m halfway to the grave already–every snack could be my


    “That’s why I’m here to pull that ‘half–foot‘ right back out for you,” Alessia retorted, making Xander chuckle despite himself.


    Unable to keep a straight face any longer, Xander turned his attention to Zachary.


    “Let me introduce you–this is my brother, Zachary.”


    “Now hang on, girl, I might be old but I’m not senile. Since when do you have a


    212


    <b>15:37 </b>


    brother<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    “It’splicated. Something happened, and I need you to take a look at him.”


    At this, Xander flopped back into his chair, looking aszy as ever.


    “What are the symptoms?<b>” </b>


    “He’s had it since birth–weak constitution.” Alessia rattled off a few more details, peppered with medical jargon. Zachary managed to keep his surprise in check, his face giving nothing away.


    “Why don’t you just grab some medicine from the dispensary out front, then?”


    <b>3/3 </b>