Sunny turned to Big Uncle, his eyes curious. "Did she agree on the plan, Uncle Alfred?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
Big Uncle chuckled before answering, "Yes, she did. How did you think I had prepared this ingenious plan of mine?" He smiled, clearly pleased with himself.
Sunny raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I didn't know you two had discussed it," he said, his voice thoughtful.
Big Uncle's expression turned serious. "She told me she wanted to inform you, but she didn't know how to tell you without breaking your heart," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Sunny sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. He was relieved that his mom would be leaving the war-torn city, but he was also sad that he wouldn't be able to see her as often.
"I wouldn't be angry, though," Sunny said, shaking his head. "I'm happy she's leaving this place. It's not safe for her here."
Big Uncle nodded, his eyes warm with understanding. "I know, Sunny. That's why I've made arrangements for her to stay at my other house. She'll be safe there, and Alex will be with her too."
Sunny nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Big Uncle. He knew that his uncle had always looked out for him and his family, and he was thankful for his support.
Big Uncle's expression turned serious, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as he asked, "When will you be leaving for the frontline, Sunny?"
Sunny's eyes dropped, his gaze falling to the table as he replied slowly, trying to forget his past experiences. "The day after tomorrow... I'll be leaving," he said, his voice measured and laced with a hint of resignation.
As he spoke, his lips pressed together, forming a thin line. His jaw clenched slightly, betraying a hint of tension.
Big Uncle's face fell, his eyes clouding over with concern. He nodded slowly, his expression somber. He knew that Sunny's job was a difficult and dangerous one.
Alex, who had just finished his food, gasped, his eyes widening in surprise. "So soon?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with alarm. His face fell, his lips turning downward in a frown.
"Can't you tell them that you want to stay longer?" Alex asked, his eyes pleading. He leaned forward, his elbows on the table, his hands clasped together.
Sunny's eyes rose, meeting Alex's gaze. A deep smile spread across his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "My freedom isn't mine anymore," he said, his voice low and introspective.
As he spoke, his eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. His smile was tinged with a hint of sadness, his eyes betraying a deep sense of longing.
"That's what being a soldier entails," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have a duty to fulfill, Alex. And that duty requires me to put myself in harm's way."
Sunny's eyes locked onto Alex's, his gaze intense. "I know it's not easy to understand, but I hope you can try," he said, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.
Alex nodded slowly, his eyes wide with understanding. He knew that Sunny's job was important, and he respected him for it.
Big Uncle's face softened, his eyes warm with pride. "We'll be here, waiting for you to come back," he said, his voice low and soothing. "And we'll be praying for your safety."
As he spoke, he reached out, placing a hand on Sunny's shoulder. His touch was warm and reassuring, conveying a sense of comfort and support.
Big Uncle stood up, his tall frame towering above Sunny and Alex. He stretched his arms over his head, arching his back in a languid stretch. A yawn escaped his lips, and he smiled sheepishly.
"I'll have to leave now," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "I have some things to attend to."
Alex looked up at Big Uncle, his face falling in disappointment. "Why so fast?" he asked grudgingly. "You promised me a game of chess the last time you came."
Big Uncle burst into laughter, his deep chuckles filling the room. He laughed for a moment, his eyes shining with mirth. When he finally calmed down, he smiled at Alex.
"When next I come, I promise to play with you," he said, his voice still tinged with amusement. He turned to Sunny and nodded. "Take care of yourself, Sunny."
Big Uncle walked towards the door, his long strides eating up the distance. Sunny stood up, following him to the door. As they reached the entrance, Big Uncle turned to Sunny and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Stay alive, Sunny," he said, his voice low and serious. "For your mom."
Sunny nodded, feeling a surge of determination. He would do everything in his power to stay safe and come back to his mom.
Big Uncle dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out a clean currency note. He placed it in Sunny's hand, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.
Sunny looked at the note, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks. "Still treating me like a child," he muttered, shaking his head.
Big Uncle chuckled and patted Sunny on the back. "Just making sure you're taken care of, kiddo," he said, his voice low and teasing.
With that, Big Uncle turned and walked out of the house, leaving Sunny to watch him go. Sunny stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions. He was grateful for Big Uncle's concern, but he also felt a twinge of embarrassment at being treated like a child.
Shaking his head, Sunny turned and walked back into the house, the currency note still clutched in his hand.