Everyday life

Bustling in the center of Fairfax traffic, the complex The Grove ushers in more families in their weekend itinerary. The sound of music and kids laughter can be heard throughout its layout. Simultaneously, The Grove's neighbors usher in their own demographics. Despite the lively atmosphere, there are many who find this weekend burdensome, tiresome, or frustrating. At the kids' concert, Ian looks at his parents, who have promised for the nth time that they will go to where he says next, with impatience. His 7 year old brother smiles at him radiantly to which Ian scoffs at. Turning away, he scros through his feed and text messages at his friends excited attitude of another event happening at the mall. Just as he is about to suggest for he and his parents to split up, they ask him the most burdensome question: "Ian, take care of your brother while me and your dad/mom go for a stroll." Ian's eyebrows furrow together, but he takes a deep breath and asks, "What happened to watching this Together with Timothy, huh?" His mom consoles him, "Don't be like that. Your dad and me rarely have time to be together and now you are a big boy. You can take care of your brother here." Ian looks at them with an eyeroll. His mother throws him a look that makes Ian lower his eyes. His mother persuades, " Besides, look there are other teenagers taking care of their siblings." At that moment, a scream of excitement startles them as a young girl around Ian's age screams shouting at the cartoon character that came up on stage. His mom looks at Ian sheepishly but dismisses his rejection, "I'll being you back Starbucks and those snacks you like." She kisses his forehead and goes to explain to Timothy. His dad pats him while saying, "Thank you bud. We'll be back soon." Ian does not look at them and goes to sit next to his brother who is failing like the screaming girl at the new character that came on stage.

In another part of The Grove a tall, shave head man in black picks up a sushi box. Distracted by the tantalizing smell of lunch he just bought, he exits the shopping mall and finds himself at the farmer's market where he inadvertently bumps into a young woman in a floral dress. She hisses and just as she is about to curse at him, she notices his attire and cowers, "next time watch where you are going. y-you hurt me." The man looks at her apologetically and without sense stuffs a drink from another bag he is carrying and scurries away. She looks at his running back dumbfounded. A ringing tone of La Bamba wakes her up from her daze. She answers and hear the soft and clear voice of brother, "Elise? Where are you?" She responds, "At the Farmers market" He urges, "ok, I'm at the shopping center I'll meet you between Barnes & Noble and American Girl..." She hears his hesitation and asks, "You haven't bought mom a present?" He answers sheepishly, "sorry. Do you mind helping me? I'll carry the bags." She chuckles and teases, "hmph. of course! That's your job! Anyways, you are so silly. I can't believe you only thought to ask me for help now" Her brother fawns, "I know but Elise is so great that she will definitely find something better than me!" Their conversation trails off and does in the bustle and noise of hawkers and customers bargaining the prices. Across her location, the tall man who bumped into her has entered a black Buick. The driver, a short man with squinty eyes, looks at him with derision, " why are you so slow?" The man refuses to answer as he tosses him a drink from the bag where he gave Elise one. Another man in stockier build solemnly looks at them. The drivers sees the look and places the car in drive. They enter through the apartments nearby and park near Papillon Gallery. The solemn man gets out of the car followed the the tall man. The driver stays put. They enter a side door where two men in black greet them. Walking down hallways, they find their destination -an office. They enter and respectfully greet the person inside, "Boss". Inside the office, a young person clad in a burgundy suit smiles warmly at them which unconsciously makes them shiver. The young person gestures for them to sit down. An elegant man sitting in front of this burgundy suited youth coughs and greets the youth, "Mr. Madrigal" The youth's smile deepens as she/he returns the gaze to the man sitting in front.