Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Lauren disagreed with her husband, chiming in, “Don’t control our daughter so much. She’ll get married eventually. Right now, young people love the
thrill of dating. They can be in a relationship for several years before they decide to tie the knot. Ashley won’t be getting married anytime soon. I think
we should let her be a bridesmaid at Ethan’s wedding. It’s a great opportunity for her to shine and maybe even catch the eye of a handsome
bachelor. If we wait too long, all the good men will be taken. Then we’ll have a hard time finding her a suitable match.”
The phrase “handsome bachelor” made Ashley lower her head in embarrassment. Her mom’s dream was lovely, but soon they would realize the
harsh reality. Ashley remembered a post she’d read once. The United Nations defined youth as seventeen to twenty-four years old while some native
standards ranged from eleven to thirty-four years old. But by any of these definitions, Aaron didn’t fit in anymore. He had just celebrated his 34th
birthday last month, officially stepping into middle age.
Also, she didn’t plan on having a long courtship. She planned to get married right after graduation.
Ines eyed Ashley’s changing expressions, struggling to hold back her laughter. Luckily, Ethan squeezed her hand just in time, preventing her from
laughing out loud.
After their family reunion, they all hit the hay early. Poor Ethan, with his injured back, had to sleep on his side.
Their two little babies engaged in a new game they’d learned. One was climbing onto Ethan’s waist, and the other was pressing against his legs.
Ethan laughed, “I’ve been away for only a couple of weeks, but my little ones have learned a new game. What are you trying to do?”
The little ones couldn’t articulate their thoughts yet, so they just gestured wildly with their hands. Ethan laughed, “I get it now. You’re trying to keep
daddy from moving, right?”

The kids giggled. Ivy started bouncing up and down, as if she was riding a horse. Ethan quickly understood their intention.
Every time Olivine bounced, Ethan would make a horse sound. His cooperation made the kids even more excited. The room was filled with their
laughter and joy.
Ines came out of the bathroom to this heartwarming scene and cautioned Ethan, “Be careful, Ethan. Ivy bumped her head this morning doing this. It’s
still a bit red.”
Ivy had inherited her mother’s delicate skin, so even minor injuries would leave a mark. Ethan scooped Ivy up and flipped her over to lie on top of
him, and then kissed her cheek. He noticed her forehead was still slightly swollen. “So our little princess grew a horn because she was being naughty
this morning. You can ride daddy, but not mommy, okay?”
Ivy ducked her head to hide, and Ines suddenly noticed Ethan was lying flat on his back. She gasped, “Ethan, you forgot about your injury. You can’t
lie on your back.”

Ethan hadn’t realized it until Ines mentioned it. Now he felt a burning sensation on his back. He grunted in pain, and Ines quickly scooped Ivy away
from him, allowing him to turn onto his side. She checked his wound and saw that one of the cuts seemed to have reopened. There was blood
seeping through the bandage.
Ines felt a mix of concern and frustration. She fetched some bandages to redress the wound. “Ethan, don’t indulge the kids too much for now. Once
you’re fully healed, you can play with them all you want. But now your wound can’t take this constant strain.”
“I understand. I just forgot about it for a moment.”
Ethan beckoned the kids over. “Come here, my little ones. Daddy’s hurt, so come blow some magic breath on me. It’ll make the pain go away.”
He demonstrated by blowing a puff of air, and the kids followed suit. Ines held Ivy near Ethan’s wound, and the little girl puffed out her cheeks,

blowing hard and making a “hoo hoo” sound. Just as she was about to drool, Ines quickly pulled her away and brought Ollie over. The kids’ actions
were so similar. It was almost comical.
Ines’ eyes welled up with tears as she watched her smart and adorable children. “Your daddy would be so proud to see how much you care for him.”
After playing for a while, the kids fell asleep. Ethan wanted to take them back to their own room, but Ines stopped him. “Ethan, they’ve been sleeping
with me these past few weeks. Tonight, let’s all sleep together as a family.”
Ethan frowned slightly. He had plans, and he didn’t want the kids to disrupt them. He could indulge them in other things, but not this. “Let’s put them
back in their room. They’ll just be in the way here. I promised you this afternoon that I want some alone time with you. I can’t go back on my word
now.”
Ines knew exactly what he meant by “alone time”. She looked at him sternly and shook her head. “Ethan, until your wound is fully healed, don’t even
think about it. The kids can sleep with us.”
“Izzy, don’t be like this. It’s just a minor injury.” Ethan pleaded with her, but Ines wouldn’t budge. “Ethan, please don’t scare me like that again. I’ve had
enough over the past two weeks. My heart can’t take it. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Ines was a master at playing the victim card, and this time was no exception. Ethan was putty in her hands.
As expected, Ethan caved in, “Alright, fine.”
A sly grin spread across Ines’ face. She leaned in to kiss him. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She knew her persuasion worked because this man loved her
deeply and couldn’t stand to see her upset.

But Ethan wasn’t one to let things slide. He pulled Ines close for a long, passionate kiss. They were both fully engaged. Just as things were heating
up, they stopped, embracing each other to calm their racing hearts.
Ethan patted Ines’ back. “Izzy, let’s sleep. You haven’t been resting well lately. You look worn out.”
Ollie nestled into Ivy, while Ines held onto the two siblings. Ethan, with a sweeping move of his long arm, gathered them all into his embrace, creating
a picture of a perfect, cosy family of four. Ines, however, was having a restless sleep, startled awake a few times by nightmares. So Ethan had to
keep whispering soothing words into her ear, hoping to gradually ease the fear and worry lurking in her subconscious.