Neither Calix nor Leslie mentioned about the former's intention to help Irene financially to the high school girl. They decided to tell the teenager much later.
Leslie and Calix stayed in the lounge with Irene and Calliope. The little dumpling was so eager for her little aunt's presence tonight that she kind of put her parents' existence to the back of her mind.
Irene entertained Calliope by playing with the wooden horse cart she bought for the little one in Sicily. The little dumpling placed the crochet fox toy Mimo and the crochet strawberry Calix made for her on both sides of the cart.
Soon, the clock reached nine, slightly later than Calliope's usual bedtime.
"Poppy, time to sleep," Calix clapped his hands once, trying to get Calliope's attention, "You can play with your aunt tomorrow morning ah."
Blinking, Calliope looked from Calix to Irene. Her little mind seemed to process something before she asked Irene, her voice laden with hope.
