One day, I sat on the wooden porch, watching Akira and Yuke play with the other village kids in the garden. The sun warmed my back, and the green fields stretched endlessly beyond the yard.
Suddenly, Yuke fell and began to cry. Akira froze, fear written across his face. I rushed to him, scooping Yuke into my arms. I held him close, gently rocking and comforting him until his sobs stopped.
Then I looked around for Akira. He was nowhere among the other kids. My eyes caught him hiding behind a tree, peeking out, trembling.
I smiled softly.
"Akira, why are you hiding behind the tree? Come here."
In a small, trembling voice, he said,
"I didn't push Yuke, Mom."
My heart clenched. I remembered the incident at the mansion, how Leo had scolded Akira for pushing Mickey when it wasn't his fault.
I knelt and gently rubbed his head.
"Who said you pushed him? You didn't, Akira. Don't worry. I won't scold you, okay?"
He slowly stepped out from behind the tree and ran into my arms, carrying both his brothers' feelings with him.
I turned to the other kids.
"Okay, everyone, it's time to go home. It's getting late."
"Okay, Uncle Astra! Akira, Yuke, we'll be back tomorrow!" they called out.
Akira waved and smiled, "Bye, Yun!"
---
Weeks passed. One day, Akira and Yuke were playing with a ball in the garden when Yuke suddenly ran toward the main door, eyes sparkling.
"Daddy!" he shouted, hugging Leo tightly.
Leo smiled, holding him close.
"Oh, my angel Yuke, I missed you so much," he said, kissing Yuke's cheeks. Yuke did the same.
I froze.
Akira's eyes went wide with fear. Without a word, he ran and hid under the uplifted porch, trembling.
I stepped out, my gaze sweeping the garden. My heart sank as I saw Leo standing there with Yuke.
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