“You have to be strong and brave and, above all, stay calm. They depend on you, and you’re all they have. No matter how scary it is. That’s the way it is. You are the adult. You are the one who has to take charge.”
* * *
Mr Yang’s words did not help that much. I am more agitated than before, and I am more scared than ever. These kids only have me in the world and a grandmother, of course, a grandmother who is trying to tear them away from the only person they know and trust.
“What time is this lawyer coming?” Logan asks as he stuffs his books into his backpack for tomorrow.
“He should be here soon. He said after work, so…”
“And is he coming to our house?” Mason looks puzzled.
“He did it for you,” I quickly clarify. “So we could talk in a familiar environment. That was thoughtful of him.”
“Thoughtful…” Logan insinuates, with that tone and frown that reminds me so much of Mark.
“That’s what I said.”
I help Emily with her backpack while her brothers’ eyes rest on me.
“And is he cute too, by any chance?” Logan asks again.
“I don’t see how this is relevant.”
“It means that he is,” Logan continues.
“Does it matter if he’s cute or not? The important thing is that he helps us win this case. And he will.”
“Are you sure?” Emily asks, her tone is subtle.
“I am sure he will do his best. We have to rely on his hands.”
Mason and Logan do not hold back a laugh.
At least their spirit is still positive.
“I even tried to invite him to dinner, given the time, but he politely declined.”
“You wanted to impress him with your culinary skills?” Logan mocks me.
I laugh, grateful for this newfound serenity. I feared the news would throw them into dejection, but fortunately, the situation still seems under control.
“Maybe you can invite him next time,” Emily suggests. She is always the most positive and kind.
“I could, but I don’t want to let him escape. We need his help.”
“I’m sure he would appreciate it,” Emily says again.
I smile at her. “Thanks for the encouragement, darling, but I think keeping things professional is best.”
“I don’t think I understand.”
“Uncle Seth prefers not to mess it up by trying to… Win over our lawyer,” Logan explains to her in simple, understandable words.
“Now I think I understand.”
“Can we avoid talking about our lawyer in terms that are not strictly related to the case from now on?”
“Why? Does that make you nervous?” Mason insinuates.
