“Not since then. I swear.”
“You don’t have to swear anything. Not to me.”
“Okay.”
Mason looks at his uncle worriedly. I don’t know how to tell Seth that perhaps we should continue this conversation alone, but luckily, he reads my thoughts.
“Why don’t you see if Mr Yang would like some tea?”
“We would like to stay,” Logan says firmly.
“I’m sure Mr Yang feels lonely at home without the usual chaos.”
Mason takes Emily by the hand and then nods to Logan. No one objects; they follow their big brother without question. When we are alone, Seth lets go against the sofa, defeated. He seems to have held on so far for the kids’ sake.
“Maybe this was not such a good idea.”
“They have to be prepared for the trial. It will not be a walk in the park for them.”
“But will they have to be present at all hearings?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Oh God.” Seth rubs his face with his hands, then gets up from the sofa. “I need something strong. Can I offer you a drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m working.”
“But this is not working hours, right?”
“I really shouldn’t."
“Maybe a beer?”
I sigh and give in. “Go for a beer.”
“I’ll get it for you.”
I also get up and follow him into the kitchen. Seth takes two bottles of beer from the fridge, uncorks them, and then hands one to me.
“I thought you needed something strong.”
Seth rests his elbows on the kitchen windowsill, his eyes lost beyond the glass on the street alongside the building. The area is deserted; only the streetlights and a pizzeria in the corner illuminate it.
I mirror his position and look at him. “What’s bothering you?”
“Tonight, you say? Or in my entire existence?”
I laugh. Seth takes a sip of beer.
“I would like to be less… Less.”
“Less concerned?”
“Clumsy. Anxious. The list is long.”
I laugh again. He’s funny in an unusual way, and he’s polite and gentle. A positive person despite the fact that life has not gone easy on him. All this will undoubtedly help his position.
“We should meet again. Alone.”
