“Are you really going to count how many packs I have?”
“We’re already like an old married couple. How could I not know what your body looks like? If you want to show it off, you can wait until summer. What’s the point of flaunting it now? If you catch a cold, you’ll end up regretting it. That’s what happens when you try to look cool without staying warm.”
After buttoning his shirt, Serenity stood on her tiptoes to whisper something in his ear. No one else heard what she said, but Mr. York smiled broadly and hugged Serenity tightly before returning to his usual serious demeanor.
“Honey, you’re a rotten egg if you’re lying to me.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll be the rotten egg if I’m lying to you. But a person doesn’t turn into a rotten egg just because they lied—aren’t you still human after lying to me for months?”
Zachary fell silent, his guilt overwhelming him.
After lingering for about another ten minutes, the couple finally emerged from their bedroom.
Grandma May was already up, practicing yoga on the balcony.
Serenity whispered to the man beside her, “Nana does yoga?”
“She’s always outside. Sometimes she goes to the park to chat with people her age, so she’s picked up a few things.”
Grandma May’s ears perked up, and she chimed in, “I often go to the park to boast about my nine grandsons. Aside from the two youngest who are still in school, my other seven grandsons are all exceptional. They’re handsome, wealthy, respectful, and loyal.”
Zachary was at a loss for words.
Could he really say that Grandma May was bragging?
“When I praise you, it’s like you’re deaf. But when I say something negative about you, your hearing suddenly sharpens.”
May paused her yoga flow and said, “That’s because when you praise me, my hearing isn’t very good, and I can’t hear you clearly. So, I want you to praise me more and louder. But when you scold me, my hearing is excellent, and I catch every word.”
Zachary pursed his lips. Forget it. He knew he could never win against his Nana. Young people shouldn’t stubbornly argue with their elders; they should show respect for them and care for the young, after all.
As Grandma May walked in, she asked, “Zack, aren’t you making breakfast today? I was hoping to take advantage of Serenity’s privilege and enjoy your cooking again.”