Though it was a regular workday, Kirana had taken a rare day off—her first for such a personal reason, to help her parents welcome their guest. After freshening up, Stephan joined the family in the living room, settling onto the sofa as the late afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon. The comfortable silence that had settled over the room was finally broken by Mr. Manalo. 🕵🏻
"Son, did you let your father know you landed safely?" he asked, his tone a mix of paternal concern and warmth.
"Yes, Uncle. I called Dad right before I took a shower. He'd worry otherwise," Stephan replied, his manner respectful yet easy. 🗣
"That's good, son," Mr. Manalo said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I'm truly happy you're staying with us. It's been so many years. Look at you now ,a fine young man."
"Thank you, Uncle, for inviting me," Stephan said gratefully. "It saves me the hotel expense, and it means a lot. And you know, you haven't changed a bit from the fit young man in the old photos. You're still in great shape." 😆
The compliment and Stephan's charming, easy-going demeanor immediately won Mr. Manalo over. The two men fell into a long, animated conversation, jumping from topic to topic; travel, work, life in Canada versus here, and shared memories of the past that Stephan had heard from his father. Mr. Manalo was thoroughly charmed, his laughter filling the room.
Kirana sat nearby, quietly observing. She listened to their lively exchange, a faint, amused smile on her lips, but she didn't interject. She was content to be a spectator, studying this virtual stranger who had so effortlessly slipped into their family space and captivated her father. 🙃
By evening, Mrs. Manalo had prepared a special dinner, a lavish spread to honor their guest. Stephan appreciated the effort wholeheartedly, enthusiastically trying a bit of everything and complimenting her cooking.
The meal was filled with more light conversation and laughter, solidifying the feeling that Stephan was not just a guest, but a welcome and familiar presence who had, in the span of a single afternoon, begun to seamlessly weave himself into the fabric of their home. 🍛