Richard Carson didn't keep Billy waiting, but his arrival was unmistakable when Jeffrey Carson, his uncle, appeared alongside Helen Carson, who was distinguished by her gray hair and dominant attitude over all her children, grandchildren, aives. Gwyh was still there, somewhat nervous but happy with how things were unfolding as she met Billy's family. Helen Carson's prolonged gaze was just the beginning, even though she didn't speak aloud.

  -My dear boy, you're so tall and mature now. I see you even have a beard. I retly watched the Stargate movie released in June. My grandson, although shy, did a great job, - Helen Carson said, still in disagreement with Billy's ag aspirations, although she didn't want to scare off the boy who had so much of Thomas as well as Richard in him, who would most likely shut down in the face of objes.

  -Grandma, what a joy to see you, - Billy said.

  -I'm gd to see you too. I visited twice st year, but all your projects kept you busy. I hope now that your father is married, we have more time together as a family, - Helen said.

  -Of course, Grandma! - Billy excimed, somewhat mindful of his grandmother's jabs.

  Jeffrey was there with his rough appearahe way he behaved resembled the tales his father told about his brother and the inated upbringing uheir grandmother's influence, which caused a division in his childhood. His father rejected this to the point that he decided to cel all the rules set by his mother and move from Texas as far aossible.

  -Jeffrey, - Billy said, receiving a grunt. Both got into the car; three hours of driving awaited them. Gwyh was close to him, gripping his hand tightly, feeling somewhat timid as all her practices went out the window.

  -Is everything okay? - Gwyh asked, feeling unfortable seeing her grandmother's hostile demeanor and now her uncle's hostile gaze toward Billy.

  Billy felt a desire to see Patt, his grandfather's friend, a man who always made him ugh with his id-back attitude towards all sins, diverse as they were, like his excesses in activities.

  -They're somewhat plicated, they're as they should be, and we're as we should be. Our activities will always be judged by my grandmother. She's somewhat closed-minded, - Billy said, in a slight whisper.

  -That sounds rather harsh. My parents are hippies; family shouldn't be like this - Gwyh said, surprised by the cold atmosphere enveloping the air.

  The journey tinued swiftly and without remorse. Many times when the Carson family gathered, it was usually only Richard Carson who was genuinely happy with everyone, except Jeffrey. However, the battle between them was a giveo Jeffrey's behavior towards Thomas, which displeased him. Now everyone was closed off, thinking they should follow a course of a: one was to accept the burdens, and the other wao resolve the issues.

  The house of their grandparents, a small house he city, had been repced by two signifit events. First, Jeffrey Carson was bequeathed the family estate, something advised by Helen and opposed by Thomas, but eventually fulfilled—a small house iy due to their old age.

  -Your bed is on the same floor as always, although unfortunately, we didn't expect you to e with visitors. There's a mattress you use, - Helen Carson said.

  -Where's Grandpa? - Billy asked.

  -He's getting his medies and medical check-ups. He'll be here by noon, - his grandmother replied.

  -Thanks, Grandma. We'll make do, - Billy said, bringing Gwyh along with him, both den with twe fabric suitcases. The bed wasn't what they expected, bought for a thirteen-year-old.

  -Well, we'll probably learn to sleep on top of each other. The idea of sleeping like teenagers seems romantic, with a hint of secrecy... Did y that girl, Alice, your ex-girlfriend? - Gwyh asked, as Alice was more alive ihoughts than usual. She had heard all kinds of rumors and, finally, the versation with Billy on the baly about Alice had piqued her i. Billy had left worried, thinking he would ght to see her, but he returned as soon as he left. She had that vein of knowledge.

  -Yes, - Billy replied, wanting to close the versation without lingering.

  -I'll go get some fresh air, - Gwyh said, closing the versation, feeling the ex-girlfriend gaining more and more power.

  They spent half a day in the shade, although the air was warm, occasionally cold winds blew, chilling Texas like snowfkes, bringing many problems as the frost teo damage crops and occasionally kill cattle. The seasons were always as votile as expected. When his grandfather entered with a e and a bald head, old age had taken its toll. He looked worn-out, his eyes more squinted, much sadder. Time had been ordered like the precursor that wears life down and ultimately ns roles to the brief day of men.

  -You look worn out, - Billy said.

  -Bah, what hurts me the most is that yrandmother is now on my case. She sold and gave away all my alcohol reserves, but what's important is that you've been living a happy life. Hahn, you remind me of myself in my prime, - Richard said.

  -Grandpa, it's great to see you again, - Billy added as he approached, noting all the times his grandfather brightened his day and supported him.

  -I thought I'd die before seeing you, you damn ingrate. It paio see that my grandson only chases after women and not his stantly ailing grandfather, - Richard Carson said, looking towards the kit and shouting, - Helen, briwes and something for the boy. He hasen anything since he arrived. -

  -I'm fine, Grandpa, - Billy reassured him.

  -Bah, you're a fool. Since you're a guest in my house today, there won't be a barbecue, but we go out to eat at the restaurant, Richard said, sav the sweet food dishes. They both approached, with Gwyh willingly helping i alongside Helen, who closely observed her guest's as, from cooking to preparation, order, and if she could serve Billy.

  Something ingrained in her blood.

  -Where did you learn to cook? - Helen asked.

  -In Spain. An exge program. I did my best to learn some dishes there, but overall, my mother taught me how to cook, - Gwyh replied.

  They had a traditional lunch—beans, tortils, roasted chi, kimono, and balls—all lovingly prepared, with cssic sads made to plement the meal, though it wasn't traditional. Everyoe with great gusto. As the versation at the table tinued more calmly after Richard's humorous interjes, even Helen softened, seeing Richard so happy that his previously stern words were now cordial, gentle, and full of promises.

  -Billy has always liked them slender, - Richard said.

  To the surprise of the blonde, who couldn't help but ugh, Billy blushed, and Richard's hearty ughter didn't keep him waitiher.

  -He's been very det in showing how much he appreciates my charm, - the blonde said.

  **************************************************************

  The day, both were already situated nearby. Each of the present family members had a meeting. Jeffrey's wife was undoubtedly a different woman from Jeffrey himself— a homemaker with five children, she held Billy in high regard. Even though he didn't have a very stroionship with the family, he never fot about Christmas and birthdays.

  Even if he got his you son Aaron's birthday wrong by a month, it was still a ouch.

  -Savannah, have you seen my meeting shirt? - Jeffrey asked from a distance.

  -I irohe gray suits you bought for st Christmas, - Savannah replied.

  Jeffrey shrugged and grabbed the suit hanging ihroom. It was better this way; he had to leave to pick up his father and mother. Savannah, who knew his iions, knew he po go get the grandparents.

  -Billy will take them there and bring them back. I hope you help Coltahe tables. Your friends will be here sooerday you mentioned setting up the tent. I don't expect people to arrive and do all your chores, - Savannah said.

  The barbecue day roag. The Carson family had o gathering before joining Thomas's wedding.

  ...