Predator's Game

16

When I woke up, it was the next morning. I was alone in the room.

"Aiden!"

The helper knocked on the door and came in to say, "Madam, Mr. Blanton and Miss Aiden are having breakfast downstairs."

"Mr. Blanton said you were too tired yesterday and asked us not to wake you up."

Cillian always liked to make a fuss about such details.

When I went downstairs, Cillian was accompanying Aiden to feed a kitten.

The kitten cried in his palm. He taught Aiden how to do it in a gentle voice.

But to me, it was such an eyesore.

"Aiden, enough with it. It's time to go to kindergarten."

"Mom, wait a minute. The kitten is drinking milk."

Cillian looked up at me. "I haven't named the little thing yet. Kristen, you name it."

I wanted him to put away these tricks, but I saw Aiden looking at me expectantly.

I said casually, "Let's call it Bagel."

"Yeah! Bagel! From now on, you are my younger sister. This is Daddy, and this is Mommy..."

The smile on Cillian's face deepened.