Joden trudged into the house, exhaustion etched on his face. The sound of his sagging feet echoed through the hallway, prompting a stern warning from Mrs. Williams in the kitchen.
Joden hurried into the kitchen, a mix of surprise and excitement on his face. "Mum! Dad! When did you come back? And why didn't you tell me?"
Mr. Williams, seated at the table, smiled wryly. "We wanted to surprise you, son."
Joden's eyes widened. "You could have hinted, Dad! I was going to prepare something special for you!"
Mrs. Williams chuckled, her eyes warm with amusement. "Your father was just testing you, dear."
Joden's face fell, but his father's next words lifted his spirits.
"Take over from your mother, Ryan. She's tired, and so am I. We had a long flight."
Joden's eyes lit up, and he began to rub his head, a hint of a smile on his face. "Well..."
Mrs. Williams intervened, her voice gentle. "Don't worry, my dear. Your father is just teasing."
Joden's expression turned serious. "I wasn't lying, Father. Mr. Graham, the CEO, is treating me like an employee, not an intern. He should go easy on me, it's my first time."
Mr. Williams' expression turned thoughtful. "We'll discuss this with Mr. Graham over the weekend. It's only fair that he treats you like an intern, not an employee."
Mrs. Williams added, her voice softening, "We want you to enjoy your work, not dread waking up every day. It's not healthy."
Joden's eyes flashed with frustration. "You told Mr. Graham to treat me that way, didn't you, Dad?"
Mr. Williams hid behind his newspaper, feigning innocence. "What? No, son."
Joden's voice rose in protest. "You've put me through hell! I have to take home loads of files as homework. I don't know why he didn't give me any today. I'm not even able to finish them. I have to be at work at seven to finish them up. Do you know what it's like to leave my cozy blankets in the morning? It's winter, Father, winter. Look outside! All the roads are covered in snow!"
Mrs. Williams' voice turned sad. "That's good to know."
Mr. Williams stood up, his expression softening, and pulled his wife and son into a warm embrace. "I was helping you out, son. I love you more than your mother."
Joden threw his hands up in exasperation. "I rest my case!"
Mrs. Williams' voice turned gentle, her eyes shining with amusement. "That's good to know."
The family's banter continued, filled with laughter and playful jabs, as they settled into their evening routine.
Mr. Williams rose from his seat and enveloped his wife and son in a warm, affectionate embrace, his gestures conveying a deep sense of love and connection.
Mr. Williams, still holding his wife and son, asked, "Am I forgiven?"
Mrs. Williams giggled and kissed him. "Okay, okay! You're forgiven, Mr. Williams."
Joden rolled his eyes. "Keep your PDA to a minimum, adults! The kid is in the room, next to the both of you."
Mr. Williams turned to Joden, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's called tough love, but it's still love, son. So, do you forgive me?"
Joden hesitated, then grinned. "Not until I see what you brought me from your trip!"
Mr. Williams chuckled and handed Joden a bag. "Alright, alright! Take this and..."
Joden jumped on his father's back, excitement radiating from his every move. "Open it and fish out my belongings!"
Mr. Williams laughed and handed Joden a white cloth covered in Chinese writing. "Here! Your mother and I thought you'd like this."
Joden's eyes widened as he took the calligraphy. "It's awesome, Dad! I've always wanted one of these. What do all these symbols mean?"
Mr. Williams smiled, proud of his son's curiosity. "The spirit is immortal."
Joden squealed in delight, hugging his father tightly. "I love it! Can you help me hang it in my room?"
Together, they went to Joden's room, where Mr. Williams helped him hang the calligraphy. As they worked, Joden chattered excitedly about his day, his father listening intently.
After they finished, Mrs. Williams called from downstairs, "Ryan, could you go to the grocery shop and buy me some mushrooms? You finished all the ones we had."
Joden sighed good-naturedly. "It's already late, mother."
Mrs. Williams' voice was firm. "You are to do as I tell you!"
Joden smiled wryly. "Yes, mother."
As he headed out the door, Mr. Williams added, "And donʼt forget to pick up a six-pack of Red Bull for me, son."