The three of them sat down at the dining table, the warm aroma of freshly cooked pancakes and scrambled eggs filling the air. Sunny's mom had left for an urgent meeting with the women in the church, leaving the three of them to eat in silence.
For a while, the only sound was the clinking of utensils against plates as they ate. Sunny's uncle, Big Uncle, was the first to break the silence. He looked up from his plate, his eyes locking onto Sunny's, and asked, "Little Yellow, how are you faring in the war?"
Sunny's eyes dropped to his plate, his mind racing with thoughts of the war. He had been trying to push the memories to the back of his mind, but Big Uncle's question brought them flooding back.
He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "It's...tough," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's a lot of fighting, a lot of bloodshed. Sometimes it feels like it's never going to end."
Big Uncle nodded, his expression serious. "I can imagine," he said. "War is never easy. But you know your mom is worried about you, right? She just wants you to be safe and stay alive for her."
Sunny felt a pang in his heart as he looked down at his plate. He knew his mom was worried about him, and it weighed heavily on his mind. He didn't want to cause her any more pain or worry than he already had.
The silence that followed was not uncomfortable, but rather a thoughtful one. Big Uncle seemed to be lost in thought, and Alex was busy eating his food. Sunny, on the other hand, was trying to process his emotions, trying to make sense of everything that was happening.
Sunny, trying to steer the conversation away from the war and his mom's worries, asked Big Uncle, "How's your business?"
Big Uncle looked at Sunny with an expression that said, "I know you're trying to change the conversation." He smiled wryly and leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Sunny's face.
"Business has been unstable since the war," Big Uncle replied, his voice measured. "I'm not among those who gain from the war. In fact, it's been a challenge to keep things afloat."
Sunny nodded sympathetically, his eyes locked onto Big Uncle's. "I can imagine," he said. "The war has affected so many people and businesses."
Big Uncle nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's been tough. But I'm managing. I've had to diversify and find new ways to keep the business running. It's not easy, but I'm doing my best."
As they talked, Alex continued to eat his breakfast, listening intently to the conversation. Sunny's eyes flicked to Alex occasionally, making sure he was okay.
Big Uncle leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "But I'm not just talking about my business, Little Yellow. I'm talking about the whole economy. The war has disrupted everything, and it's going to take a long time to recover."
Sunny nodded thoughtfully, his mind processing the information. He knew that the war had far-reaching consequences, and it wasn't just the soldiers on the front lines who were affected.
As they finished their breakfast, Big Uncle pushed his chair back and stood up. "I think we've talked enough about the war for now, don't you, Little Yellow?" he said, his eyes twinkling.
Sunny smiled, relieved that the conversation was moving away from the war. "Yes, Big Uncle. I think we have."
Here is the revised continuation:
Sunny's gaze shifted to Alex, who was busy eating his breakfast. Big Uncle's eyes followed Sunny's gaze, and he asked, "How's your girlfriend, Alex?"
Sunny's eyes widened in surprise, and he almost choked on his food. How did Big Uncle know about Alex's girlfriend? He looked at Alex, who was calmly eating his breakfast, a hint of a smile on his face.
It dawned on Sunny that Alex must have told Big Uncle about his girlfriend. He couldn't believe it. Alex had always been a bit of a jokester, but Sunny hadn't thought he would actually tell Big Uncle about his girlfriend.
Alex looked up from his food, his eyes lazy and nonchalant. "She's good," he replied, his voice casual.
Sunny's eyes narrowed, and he shot Alex a look. What else had Alex told Big Uncle? He was going to have to ask Alex about that later.
Big Uncle nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's good to hear," he said. "I'm glad you're doing well, Alex."
Alex smiled back at Big Uncle, looking pleased with himself. Sunny shook his head, still trying to process the fact that Alex had told Big Uncle about his girlfriend.
As they finished their breakfast, Big Uncle pushed his chair back relaxing himself. "I think it's time for us to talk, Little Yellow," he said, his eyes serious.
Here is the revised continuation:
Big Uncle leaned back in his chair, his eyes serious as he gazed at Sunny.
"It's about your mom, Sunny," he said, his voice low and solemn.
Sunny's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be wrong. "What about her?" he asked, his voice cautious.
Big Uncle sighed, his expression somber. "I think your mom has to leave the city, Sunny. The war, this house... it's all affecting her. I'm sure you've noticed that."
Sunny nodded, his thoughts racing. It was true, he had noticed that the war was taking a toll on his mom.
"Uncle Alfred," Sunny said, using Big Uncle's real name, "where is she going to stay?"
Big Uncle's expression turned thoughtful. "I've been thinking about that, Sunny. I have another house, in a safer part of town. I think it would be best for your mom and Alex to stay there until the war is over."
Sunny nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad that his mom and Alex would be safe.
"Don't worry about them, Sunny," Big Uncle said, his voice reassuring. "They'll be taken care of. You just focus on staying safe out there."
Sunny nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Big Uncle.
Alex looked up from his food, a confused expression on his face. "What about my school, Uncle Alfred?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Sunny couldn't help but giggle at Alex's worried tone. Big Uncle smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Alex. I'll work out a transfer for you. You'll be able to continue your studies without any interruptions."
Alex's eyes widened slightly, and he looked at Big Uncle with a mixture of surprise and relief. "You've already spoken to my mom about it?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Big Uncle nodded. "Yes, I have. She agreed that it would be best for you and her to stay at my other house until the war is over."
Alex nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. He returned to his food, but this time, he wasn't eating with the same enthusiasm as before. Sunny noticed the change in Alex's demeanor and guessed that it was because he was afraid of losing his girlfriend.
Sunny muttered under his breath, "The headaches that come with relationships..." He shook his head, smiling wryly.