| October 5, 2023 – 3:15 PM
Jake stood at the edge of the rabbit enclosure, small hands gripping the fence, eyes locked onto Bob like a soldier watching a high-value target.
Bob, for his part, was pressed against the far corner, ears twitching, already plotting his next escape.
Lin crossed her arms, amused. "So, what's the plan, kid?"
Jake glanced up at her, dead serious. "I'm gonna be Bob's best friend."
Richard Fang chuckled, shaking his head. "Determined little thing, isn't he?"
Lin grinned. "Runs in the family."
Jake ignored them both, focused entirely on the mission at hand. He pulled a small apple slice from his pocket where did he even get that?
And held it out toward Bob.
Bob twitched his nose but didn't move.
Jake leaned forward slightly. "It's okay, Bob. We're friends."
Lin sighed, nudging Richard. "This is gonna take a while."
Richard smirked. "You doubting him?"
Lin chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure Jake will make that rabbit love him. I just think it'll take more than one apple slice."
Jake stayed perfectly still, hand outstretched, patience unwavering.
Rex sat beside him, watching the rabbit with mild interest. Roxanne, on the other hand, was watching like she was mentally calculating how much effort it would take to chase Bob down.
Bob remained motionless for another five seconds then, slowly, cautiously, he hopped forward.
Jake held his breath.
Bob sniffed the apple.
Then in a blur of movement; he snatched the slice and bolted.
Jake let out a tiny, betrayed gasp. "Bob!"
Lin laughed. "See? This is why I don't trust people who look too cute."
Jake turned to her, eyes narrowing. "I'll win him over."
Lin grinned. "Alright, then. Let's see who gives in first. You or the rabbit."
Richard Fang chuckled. "My money's on the kid."
Lin tilted her head, watching Jake square his little shoulders, determination set in his face.
Yeah. Bob didn't stand a chance.
| October 5, 2023 – 3:30 PM
Jake wasn't giving up.
Bob had stolen the apple and retreated to his corner, chewing smugly. But Jake? The kid had patience.
He crouched just outside the enclosure, another apple slice in hand, arm outstretched.
Rex sat beside him, head tilted like he was just as invested in this process. Roxanne, less patient, let out a small huff and flopped down in the dirt, clearly unimpressed with Bob's dramatics.
Lin leaned against the fence, watching. "You know, there are easier pets."
Jake didn't look away from Bob. "Bob's my friend."
Lin smirked. "Bob doesn't know that yet."
Richard Fang chuckled. "He'll learn. My grandson is stubborn."
Jake held the apple slice steady, perfectly still, waiting.
Bob, ever suspicious, twitched his nose, then slowly inched forward.
Lin raised an eyebrow. "You've got about a ten percent chance here, kid."
Jake ignored her, focused.
Bob paused, sniffed—then, after what felt like an eternity, he stretched his little body forward and nibbled the edge of the apple.
Jake stayed completely still, eyes shining.
Lin let out a low whistle. "Huh. That's progress."
Richard grinned. "Told you."
Jake grinned, watching as Bob took another cautious bite. Then like some kind of miracle. Bob didn't run away.
Lin tilted her head. "I'll admit, I didn't expect that."
Jake looked up at her, triumphant. "Bob likes me."
Lin grinned. "Looks like it."
Rex wagged his tail in approval, while Roxanne rolled onto her side, uninterested in the whole affair.
Jake finally let out a satisfied breath, sitting back on his heels. "See? I told you."
Lin smirked. "Alright, alright. You win this round."
Jake beamed, reaching out to gently scratch Bob's head.
Bob, for once, didn't run.
Lin chuckled, crossing her arms. "Well, damn. Kid's a rabbit whisperer."
Richard Fang nodded, watching his grandson with quiet pride. "Told you. Stubborn."
Lin grinned. "Yeah. But in a good way."
| October 5, 2023 – 6:30 PM
The smell of stir-fry and fresh rice filled the kitchen, steam rising from the wok as Helen moved with practiced efficiency. Richard Fang sat at the table, arms crossed, watching as Jake carefully set out plates with serious concentration.
Lin leaned against the counter, arms folded, smirking. "Not bad, kid. You setting the table or planning a military operation?"
Jake didn't look up as he adjusted the placement of a spoon by half an inch. "Papa says everything should be in order."
Richard Fang hummed approvingly. "He listens well."
Lin snorted. "Yeah? Let's see how well he listens to this. No pets inside."
Jake froze. His small hands clenched into tiny fists. Slowly, deliberately, he turned to her, eyes wide with something close to horror. "Not even Bob?"
Lin didn't flinch. "Not even Bob."
A pause.
Jake blinked, then looked over at Richard Fang like he was ready to call for backup. "Papa?"
The old general took a slow sip of tea, clearly enjoying the show. "House rules, kid."
Jake's shoulders slumped in betrayal.
Rex, who had been lingering near the doorway, wagged his tail like he already knew where this was going. Roxanne, the smarter of the two, was watching from a safe distance, her dark eyes calculating.
Helen sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly, Lin. What's the harm in letting them in for a little while?"
Lin pointed at her mother. "Don't start."
Helen smirked. "They're family, too."
Lin groaned. "Oh my god, not you too."
Jake, sensing weakness, slowly turned back to Lin, eyes even wider than before. His tiny hands clasped together in front of him, full of innocent desperation. "Please?"
Lin stared at him.
Jake stared back.
Lin narrowed her eyes. "That's a dirty trick."
Jake blinked. "What trick?"
Lin exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Fine. Fine. But only in the mudroom."
Jake grinned so wide it could have lit up the whole house.
Richard Fang chuckled. "You lost that battle before it even started."
Lin scowled. "Shut up and eat."
Rex immediately trotted inside, tail wagging. Roxanne followed at a much slower, dignified pace like she was making it clear this was her decision, not Lin's.
And Bob?
The damn rabbit was already curled up in Jake's lap.
Lin sighed, dropping into her seat. "I hate all of you."
Helen smiled sweetly as she passed the food around. "Love you too, dear."