Vinie let out a long sigh and looked at me with concern. “Mattew, I’m the elder here. I can’t just stand by while you deal with everything alone. I should be the one taking responsibility.”
Before he could say more, Eleanor suddenly ran into the room with bright excitement.
“Papa!” she called out happily as she rushed toward him.
Both Vinie and I turned at the same time. She was holding a drawing high in her hands like it was something very important.
“Look! I made this! Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked with a proud smile.
Vinie’s expression changed immediately. He quickly took the document from my hand and slid it out of sight before Eleanor could notice anything unusual. Then he crouched down and gently took the drawing from her.
“It’s really beautiful, Eleanor. You did a great job,”
