Chapter 72

A year later He studied his mother as she combed Jannie’s hair and divided it into two ponytails. Her facial expression was blank, but he knew she was trying hard not to yell at Jannie to keep still. He rose from his couch and helped with the ribbons she wanted to use to hold them. “Here you go, Mum.” She smiled, a bit surprised. “Thank you, son. You don't want to watch the show anymore?” He glanced briefly at the cartoon and replied. “No, I have watched this episode before.” “What about you, Jannie?” Jannie looked up, confused. “I don't know. I can't remember. What are we having for lunch?” “It's barely noon, Jannie. How come you're hungry?” He laughed, surprised. “Mum, tell Jay to stop making fun of me.” She struggled as Mom tried to do her last ponytail. “Jay, please stop it. Grandmum is preparing a nice lunch for us, so hold still. She would be done before you know it.” Jannie let out a dramatic sigh. “Finally, Mom. I'm really hungry.” He clicked his tongue, wondering if he should