"This is your son. He is the same as you when it comes to being unreasonable."

This time, it was Erica's turn to be angry.

"When have I ever been unreasonable? Huh? You're just mad because you failed to teach Adkins a lesson.

And now you're dumping all of that misplaced anger onto his mother! Who do you think is being unreasonable here?" Matthew, sighed in defeat, and decided to retreat into the bathroom in silence as he didn't want to argue with her.

When Erica went downstairs, the four children were having breakfast quietly as before, and Matthew was sitting opposite them.

Noticing her presence, Matthew wiped his mouth with a tissue and asked,

“How come you're up so early? Do you have something to do today?"

"Yes!" She wanted to send her children to school and her husband to the company.

As usual, the four children pulled out the chair for her and served her breakfast. Adkins seemed a Little absent-minded, perhaps because he was worried that his father was still mad at him.

More often than not, Adkins would be the most energetic amongst his brothers when Erica was around. Today, however, he was just quietly sulking in his seat and having breakfast.

Erica looked at her eldest son and then at the man beside her, but said nothing.

After breakfast, the family of six got into the minivan. Adkins immediately jumped into the seat next to Erica, held her hand tightly and whispered, “Mom, may I borrow your phone please? I need to call

Grandma."

Confused, Erica asked, “Why do you want to call your grandma?"

Adkins gestured to Matthew with his eyes and then shook his head.

“Nothing.”

Having sensed his reluctance to speak, Erica didn't force him to explain himself. Instead, she took her phone out and handed it to him.

“Here you go."

“Thanks, Mom!" Adkins gave his mother a gleeful grin and then called

Debbie's number.

The line was connected soon after and Debbie's cheerful voice came through.

“Good morning, Rika. Have you had breakfast?"

“Grandma, it's me, Adkins!" said the boy in a sweet voice.

"Oh, it's you, Adkins! My dear boy, did you miss me?" Debbie was glad to have received her grandson's call.

“Yes, Grandma. I miss you and Grandpa very much. Can you and Grandpa pick me up after school this afternoon?" he asked.