After a few hours pass, the sun begins to descend into the horizon. The pastel blue sky gradually deepens, resembling the depths of an ocean. Warm golden rays pierce through the clouds, casting reflections in the atmosphere like the luscious hues of ripe peaches. Sunbeams scatter in the distance, painting the sky with vibrant shades of orange, reminiscent of a skilled artist's brushstroke on a lazurite canvas.

     As the sun slowly settles on the western horizon, a gust of wind sweeps across the land, rustling through brushes and branches. The breeze carries away the white, feathery tufts of dandelions, sending them soaring through the air. Howling like a pack of wolves on a wintry night, the wind travels tirelessly from block to block until it reaches a bustling square.

     Men and women stroll around the square. Ladies gather together in circles, their murmurs filling the air. Laughter echoes as men march along the sidewalks. Mumbles and whispers permeate the ambience as crowds meander or find seats at tables and benches. Others queue up at stores and stalls where vendors cook sizzling and steaming food and snacks on grills.

     Oliver, accompanied by his children, Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean, sits on a bench around a wooden table in the square. Oliver gazes at his children with a smile before turning to his right. He rises and approaches his spouse, Gregory, who holds two trays brimming with plates. Oliver takes one tray from Gregory, assisting in placing them on the table. The two men then join their children, taking the platter from the trays and arranging them before their keen kids.

     On the plates rest smoking flatbreads, as white as rice. It contains grilled beef with vegetables, onions, and sauces. The steam carries a mouthwatering blend of pastry and roasted aromas, enticing the senses. While the food may appear unassuming on the outside, beneath the bread lies an explosion of flavours that eagerly await to tantalize the taste buds.

"Wow!" Albert exclaimed, clapping his hands.

"Ooh, skevarme?" Victoria gasped, grabbing a piece of bread from her plate.

"It's my favourite," Oliver whispered to his children as he reached for a piece of bread.

"Oh, wow!" Victoria beamed. "Let's give your favourite a try, then, Father!"

"Right. Let's dig in," Gregory said, taking a bite of his food. "Hm!"

"Hmm!" Elizabeth squealed, her hand trembling with delight after a bite. "It's delicious!"

"Hm! Hm! It is!" Victoria giggled, placing her hand over her mouth as she chewed.

The young boys, Albert, George, and Jean, had their eyes wide with surprise, mirroring their sisters' excitement.

"Wow! This is so yummy!" Albert said, devouring the bread and letting the sauce smear on his chin.

The children and their parents enthusiastically began feasting together.

Elizabeth leaned her head on Oliver's arm as she enjoyed her food. "Dad, thank you for the food," she said.

"Hey, you're welcome," Oliver smiled warmly, looking at her.

Victoria glanced at her parents and politely called out. "Fathers?"

"Yes?" Gregory responded.

"Hm?"

Victoria felt bashful, but her smile encouraged her to be confident. "I also want to thank both of you for becoming our fathers... allowing us to live with you as our parents. We are so grateful, honestly. Thank you," she said, her gaze dropping modestly.

"Yeah! Thank you!" Elizabeth beamed.

"Mhm!" George nodded in agreement.

As the others expressed gratitude, Albert continued indulging in his food like a starving glutton.

"Albert!" Elizabeth whispered loudly.

"Oh! Hm! Yes! Thank you!" Albert nodded, his head bobbing up and down.

Jean looked at Oliver and Gregory, showing his teeth with a bright smile. "Mhmh!"

"Aw... well..." Oliver stated, "it's actually us who should thank you, as you have allowed us to experience parenthood."

"Mhm, and because of that, we promise..." Gregory said as he glanced at Oliver and his children, "...we will dedicate our best efforts to be your fathers."

"Yes. We look forward to our future together," Oliver smiled benevolently.

     After their quick snack in the bustling square, Oliver and his family peacefully return to their grand mansion. He gently closes the iron gate behind him and catches up with his spouse and children, who are already making their way through the middle of the lush lawn. The cold breeze of the night whispers as they take unhurried breaths while walking along the path that leads to the entrance steps.

     The sky has transformed into a deep black shadow. Yet, the stars twinkle like radiant specks of dust. Shooting stars streak across the atmosphere, traversing vast spaces amidst luminescent sapphire galaxies, while the crescent moon's gentle glow blankets the ground.

Just as Oliver reached for the door handle, the entrance swung open, revealing Frederick on the other side. Oliver could not help but gasp and break into a grin as he saw his adoptive father warmly welcoming them by the doorway.

"Oh, everyone!" Frederick smiled.

"Dad!" Oliver grinned. "Good evening!"

"Good evening to you all as well," Frederick responded, offering a humble glance to everyone.

"Good evening, Mr Frederick," Gregory greeted with a friendly smile.

Frederick's expression contorted momentarily as he shot a pointed glare at Gregory. "Excuse me?"

"I mean!" Gregory's eyes widened as he giggled. "Good evening, Dad."

"Better," Frederick nodded, closing his eyes briefly before placing his hands behind his back.

"Hello, Grandpa!" the children waved at Frederick.

"Hello, my little grandchildren!" Frederick beamed, bending closer to the children. "What did you, little boys and girls, do today?"

"We enrolled in school!" Victoria said, leaping with enthusiasm.

"Yeah!" Elizabeth nodded.

"Oh? Even the boys at such a young age?" Frederick raised a brow, glancing at the boys.

"Ah! Just us girls for now, since we're older," Victoria smirked.

"Nice!" Frederick thought. He then straightened himself, standing upright once again.

Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany emerged behind Frederick at the entrance, joining the group.

"Oh, you all have returned!" Sophia said as they approached the entrance.

"Yeah! Finally. I mean. Look at the time! It's already dark," Edgar remarked, glancing at the night sky.

"Ed has been waiting for your return because he's ready for dinner," Bethany giggled.

"This man is always hungry," Sarrah scoffed, tightening her lips as she glanced at Edgar.

"Shh!" Edgar hushed, placing a finger to his lips.

"Oh? Well, then! Kids, it's time to change into your pyjamas. Go to the dining room for dinner afterwards," Oliver instructed, glancing at his children. "Understand?"

"Alright!" Victoria nodded.

"Let's go!" Elizabeth grinned, her smile widening as she hastened inside.

The children rushed inside, quickly crossing the lobby and racing towards the stairs.

"Careful!" Frederick cautioned. He then released a deep breath through his mouth and giggled.