“Jack seems like he might really dislike us. After our decision to make him marry a woman he doesn't love.” Those were the words that came out of the mouth of Mrs. Samanta who was Jack's stepmother.
“I thought that too. But I've resigned myself to accepting that he hates me even if he does. I realize that as a parent, I have failed to play my role well,” said Mr. Dott, Jack's biological father.
“We've been bad parents. And I realized it even more when Jack left the house after he got married. I realized that the boy had a heavy burden on his shoulders. Also, I realized that Jack grew up with very little love. I feel bad about this,” Mrs. Samanta regretted.
Mr. Dott could only sigh heavily. This was the reality he had to face. His family was not like other normal families, where children and parents are supposed to have a good and loving relationship. Instead, he realized that he could only continue to inflict pain on his children, especially on his son Jack.
“We can only regret this kind of fate. The only thing we can do is pray for Jack's happiness, without interfering in his affairs anymore. Because we have made a big mistake by selling our son for money.”
Mrs. Samantar nodded weakly. She was not going to deny that statement because she did feel that it was the way things were.
***
“Do you want to go to this cafe?” Lea made sure that Jack had not mistakenly brought her into an unexpected place.
“I don't think so. I tried it once and somehow felt good about it. Do you have somewhere else we can go, if you don't like it?” Jack asked.
“Huh, I do. I'm too lazy to walk any further. Let's go inside.” Lea honestly didn't expect it when Jack brought her inside the bunny-themed cafe.
Inside the cafe, Lea's surprise grew. When she found Jack happily taking pictures with the rabbits that were allowed to interact directly with the cafe patrons. Even the man, despite the calm look on his face, clearly seemed to like it. And for some reason, Jack's childish demeanor was obvious.
“I didn't see it wrong, did I?” Lea pinched her own cheeks. Even if she had brought her favorite clothespin, she might have used it to pinch both her cheeks as well as her forehead.
Jack looked so happy. He even asked to be photographed with a jumbo-sized rabbit while wearing a bunny ear band on his head.
Lea repeatedly rubbed her eyes. She even wondered about the pinworms in her stomach. But she couldn't find any answers, so she subconsciously enjoyed how Jack's unpredictable side really amused her. Lea even wanted to see Jack wearing a café waiter uniform with an adorable bunny theme.
“Lea, are you okay?” Jack asked as soon as he found Lea just standing in place and looking like a statue.
“I'm fine. Just didn't expect you to like things like this.” Lea honestly wanted to laugh but she still appreciated the cute taste that her made-up husband had. Just imagine a man in his thirties, with a tall and somewhat muscular body, and facial expressions that looked often flat and very difficult to guess the meaning of. Instead, he has a taste for cute, though obviously this should not be disputed. Because actually liking cute things is not a way to make someone, especially a man, be considered a sissy. Luckily, Lea has an open mind like this.
“I think it's natural. But I like this kind of thing because it cheers me up a bit. And for some reason it makes me think of my childhood, when I was with my sister Nina playing back in the day. It makes me feel a little warm.”
Lea was touched by Jack's story. “Then enjoy your time here contentedly.”
“Brother, Sister Lea, what are you doing here?” greeted a young woman who walked up to them.
“Nina?” Lea was surprised to find Nina, while Jack was already too busy with the rabbits around him, while busy renaming the rabbits even though they had already been named by the cafe owner.
Nina took a quick glance at Jack, and he immediately understood the situation. “What a coincidence to meet you here. I don't think there's anything more to say about you. Would you like to chat with me?” she offered.
“Ah, yes. Of course.” And Lea agreed to Nina's invitation, and let her husband hang out with the rabbits that she already considered part of her race.
***
“Brother is like that. He actually likes rabbits. That's why she used to enjoy playing with my stuffed rabbit in the past. I hope you don't think this is a bad thing. Regardless of his preferences, my brother is one hundred percent normal and he's also very manly.” Nina was a little worried when she revealed Jack's secret to Lea.
Lea shook her head. “No, he's not. I'm just happy that he doesn't feel shy when he reveals what he likes. It's also a good manly act to admit what he likes,” Lea praised.
“Shurkurlah. I feel so relieved. I apologize if my words offended you. But it looks like you guys are starting to feel comfortable with each other. I'm glad to see that, but I'm sorry if this has offended you.” Nina was afraid that her words had gone too far and made Lea feel uncomfortable.
“That's so. If that's true I guess, it sounds good for the time being. You don't have to be this uptight Nina, talk to me casually. I've never minded your words.” Lea smiled, even though she realized that her relationship with Jack wasn't leading to anything romantic yet. At least she was beginning to understand how the man seemed to deserve a sympathetic feeling.
***
“Don't take the rabbit home. You should put it back. You'll lose your memory when you come to this cafe.” Lea saw Jack looking sad when he was forced to part with his favorite rabbit because they both had to go home.
“Ah, I was just having too much fun. But I didn't expect it to come to this. Too bad, I didn't even have time to eat the cake at the cafe earlier,” Jack regretted that he was too busy playing with his favorite rabbits.
“I've wrapped it up. So you can eat at home later. You little shit,” Lea scolded.
“Thank you, I didn't expect you to be this patient when dealing with me,” Jack said as usual.
Lea's brow furrowed. “You've been looking a little different lately. But I think I realized that you're actually starting to show your true self. I thought you were a robot or something because you were so stiff.”
“Ah I think you're being too hyperbolic. I'm not what you just said. Lea, reduce your dramatic side by watching less soap operas that you watch after work. It seems like it's starting to affect your mind,” Jack commented.
Be grateful for Jack's comment just now. Because Lea now intends to poke both of Jack's nostrils with her fingers.