Lincoln was taken aback. This kid, Nathan, despite his physical challenges, was fiercely independent. He rarely ever asked for help. You could see his good upbringing in every little thing he did. Even though Lincoln had given him a hard time more than once, Nathan was always as sunny and forgiving as ever. In that moment, Lincoln couldn''t help but admire him.


    "Nathan, leave the dishes. Let me help you with those," Lincoln offered.


    But Morris, in his straightforward manner, declined, "You''re the elder. I can''t let you do that for me."


    Lincoln couldn''t resistplimenting him, "How did someone as meticulous as your father end up with such a well-mannered kid like you?"


    Morris casually replied, "I was brought up by Nathalie."


    Lincoln was at a loss for words. Morris''s simple statement left him stunned. It was then that Lincoln truly weed the boy into his heart, as part of the family.


    "Alright then, once you''re done,e over here. I''ll show you some advanced math," Lincoln suggested.


    Morris took his time with the dishes, dried his hands, and sat down next to Lincoln.


    Lincoln had everything ready-paper, pen, and math textbooks. "Nathan, I get that you''re getting older and maybe not in the mood for studying. But let me tell you, we never stop learning. You''re so bright, I''m sure you''ll achieve great things."


    Morris listened, half-resigned to the lecture. Lincoln started with some motivational talk, then delved into the textbook, starting right from the beginning.


    "Uncle, are you really a math whiz?" Morris asked, a bit skeptical.


    Lincoln beamed with pride, "Certified, want to see my awards and medals from back in the day?"


    Morris shook his head, "No need, I trust you." Though inside, he was thinking, "So this is what being a mathematician is about."


    Lincoln poured his heart into


    teaching, white Morris struggled to keep his eyes open. Every now and then, Lincoln would quiz him, and Morris would answer effortlessly. This reassured Lincoln that he was getting through to Morris, so he didn''t mind the asional nodding off.


    Around noon, Nathalie came home In sky-high heels and perfect makeup, she looked like a porcin doff But as soon as she wal alked she yfully groaned, "I''m beat."


    She kicked off he


    her heels and copsed onto the couch. Lincoln and Morris were in the middle of their lesson at the coffee table but lost focus with her entrance Linco


    eagerly asked, "Vivian, how was the date?"


    Nathalie shrugged, "It was alright."


    "What did he think of you?"


    "He said I''m his type," Nathalie replied. "If things go well, I might just marry him."


    Morris snapped out of his drowsiness. "What did you think of him?" he asked, suddenly alert.


    Nathalie thought for a second, "He was okay, just not very handsome."


    She suddenly looked at Morris with mock me, "This is all your fault." Morrisughed, "How is it my fault?"


    Nathalie exined, "You''re too good-looking. After seeing you all the time, everyone else seems in. But my friend said he''s almost star material."


    Morris replied, "Nathalie, looks aren''t what really matter. It''s about how he treats you."


    Nathalie pondered, "I guess he treats me well. My friend said he''s never run errands for a woman before, but today he bought me a coffee."


    Morris shook his head, clearly unimpressed. "Doesn''t he know you can''t drink coffee?"