Julius Tapang

Inside the room…

"Good morning, bro," John said, his hand still holding Diane's hand as they walked around the bed where Leonard sat. John guided her near the windows and they sat together onto two available couches.

Leonard nodded and gave the lady companion a once-over. He concluded she was Diane, the one his younger brother disclosed and the reason why they had this meeting, but the older brother didn't expect this display of intimacy. The way John paraded her with their hands entwined in front of family. This was the first.

"Diane, this is my brother Leonard. You can trust him too," said John.

"A pleasure to meet you, sir," Diane said cordially. She eyed the elder brother. He and John had no resemblance in any of their facial and bodily features. Leonard was heavily built and rough while John was the pop idol type.

Leonard noted John's stressing on trust. "The pleasure is all mine, Diane," said Leonard, smiling amiably.

Leonard's smile and manners made her at ease.