This Old Body Can't Bear It

After watching Daniel leave, Georgie exited the alley as well and began walking towards the parking lot where his car was parked. As he strolled, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, exclaiming to himself, "Oh shit! I almost forgot the most crucial part of my plan. Fortunately, I remembered in time, or all my planning would have been a waste." With that realization, he quickly turned around and started walking in the opposite direction, his mind racing to ensure he didn't overlook any other critical details. 

On Henry's Side: 

At the same time, Henry stepped out of the taxi and paid the fare. With his hands full of groceries, he walked up to the front door of the house. Juggling the bags, he struggled to ring the doorbell. After a few awkward attempts, he managed to press the button. As soon as the bell chimed, he heard Lucy's voice faintly from inside, calling out to Evelyn, "Evelyn, can you please go and see who is at the door for me? I'm busy in the kitchen." 

Soon after, the door opened, and Evelyn began to ask, "Who is...?" but her question trailed off when she saw Henry loaded with groceries. With a look of understanding, she said, "So, Lucy told you to bring all the groceries." At the same time, Lucy's voice echoed from the kitchen, "Who is it, Evelyn?" Evelyn shouted back, "It's Henry, he brought all your groceries." She then turned to Henry and said, "Go and put all the groceries in the kitchen." 

Henry, struggling under the weight of the bags, asked Evelyn for help, "Aunt, can you please help me carry some? There are a lot of groceries." Evelyn flatly refused, "I am an old lady. I'm already useless; how can I carry so many groceries? You are young and full of energy. You can do it yourself." After this, she walked away. 

Henry could only sigh helplessly and carry all the groceries inside himself. He trudged to the kitchen, where Lucy, busy with her cooking, saw him and immediately stopped what she was doing. She rushed over to help, saying, "Henry, why are you carrying all this alone? There are so many things. You should have asked Evelyn to help. Come, put it on the floor. I'll take care of putting everything in the right place." 

Hearing Lucy's words, Henry just smiled and quietly put everything down. Lucy then said to Henry, "You go and sit on the sofa to rest. It's really hot outside; you must be tired." 

Henry nodded in agreement and went to the living room. Evelyn was already sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a drama on TV. Henry joined her, sinking into the cushions with a sigh of relief. A few moments later, Lucy came in with a glass of cold orange juice. "Here, drink this. It will make you feel better," she said, handing it to Henry. 

He didn't refuse and gratefully took the glass. Evelyn, noticing the drink, immediately piped up, "Lucy, where's mine? I want one too!" But Lucy shot back, "Why do you need a drink? You've been sitting under the AC and watching TV all morning. I gave this to Henry because he just came from outside and helped me with the groceries." 

As the sisters bantered, Henry finished his drink. The heat outside had been oppressive, and the cold juice was exactly what he needed. He drank it all in one go, savoring the refreshing coolness. 

In the meanwhile, Evelyn said to Lucy, "So what if I've been home all morning and didn't go out? As your elder sister, don't I deserve some care? Go and bring me a glass of orange juice as well." 

Lucy replied, "Sorry, no can do. If you want something, you can get it yourself. You're always so careless and never help me with any of the work." 

Henry, sitting between the two sisters, sensed that their exchange could escalate into an argument. As a considerate young man, he decided to extricate himself from the situation. He stood up and said, "I'm feeling really tired. I think I'll go rest in my room." 

Just as he was about to leave, the doorbell rang. Henry quickly offered, "I'll get the door," and headed towards it. 

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see three people standing outside: one man and two women. He immediately recognized the man as the wealthy individual who had caused the traffic jam earlier that day by arguing with another man. 

After leaving the restaurant, Georgie headed back to the car showroom where he had initially made the deal to buy the car. He had forgotten to discuss an important aspect of his plan with the manager. Returning to the showroom, he spoke with the manager about a favor he needed. He promised a handsome reward if the manager agreed to help him. Though hesitant at first, knowing the plan might cause some loss, the manager eventually agreed after Georgie assured him he would cover any financial setbacks. 

Once he left the showroom, Georgie pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The call connected, and a deep voice answered, "What's the matter?" 

"Father, I've finished buying the car. It will be delivered on time, but I somewhat exceeded the budget," Georgie replied. 

After a brief pause, his father asked, "How much?" 

Georgie hesitated before saying, "Almost double. Within the price range, I didn't like any of the cars." 

A deep sigh could be heard from the other end of the line. After a moment, Georgie's father simply said, "Okay," and hung up. 

In Georgie's Father's Office: 

Georgie's father, visibly frustrated, rose from his chair and walked to the window, gazing out at the city. His annoyance was palpable as he muttered to himself, "This damn boy. When will he understand the value of money? He has no idea how much hard work goes into earning the money he spends so casually. How many sleepless nights I'll have to endure with this old body to make up for the extra he spent." 

Letting out a long, weary breath, he stared out at the view, frustration and concern etched on his face.