Leonid was unable to react for a moment and stared at the poor sunflower that was handed in front of him. This made Mikhail feel more uneasy and more conscious. He felt embarrassed but he held out his hand still, waiting for Leonid to receive the flower.
Rodion wasn't around to watch him so he could hold out in that awkward situation a little more. Watching him playing dolls with Viktor was more than enough embarrassment he could handle. However, as his thoughts were focused on Leonid, he failed to notice the state of his sunflower; frail and drooped as it bent awkwardly in his grasp.
Leonid laughed a little and reached out for the sunflower.
"Thank you, Mishka."
Mikhail instantly sighed in relief. However, the moment he saw the state of the sunflower in Leonid's hand, he immediately felt his ears turn hot. He went into a little panic and was about to say something when Leonid stopped him.
"I hope this is not from Lady Andreyevna's garden?"
