RICHARD

I didn't realize that I was holding my breath until Mrs Helen smiled.

Like fucking smiled, I didn't know which was scarier, her furious gaze or the smile that came from nowhere. And worse, her smile was kinda forced, and if I'm being honest without motive.

Without a word, she sat down, steepled her hands and said,

"You are alright, boys. My culinary skills are top notch, but you know how we do it. It's tell time, so indulge me"

Tell time was like a tradition we began years ago from the very first day we had dined together. It was simple, all we had to do was tell Mrs Helen about any latest changes in our lives from the last time we were there.

"Why don't we start with you, my new favorite?" Mrs Helen added, when none of us made any attempt to begin first.