RDD 63

[Shout out to Swaroop S., Reggie D., and Jacob B.]

RDD 63

As we boarded the jeepney to return to our home, my mind was drawn to the system's notification.

"Honey, hold Sophia for me."

Penelope handed me our daughter. It seemed she was getting tired of carrying our little princess. Well, Sophia was getting chubbier these days, which was a good thing.

As Sophia sat on my lap, pulling the hem of my t-shirt, I opened the System and checked out the Shop.

[SHOP]

[Energy Pill]

[Insignia Of Poultry]

[Burger Recipe]

[Points remaining: 5].

I realized that there was another item in the shop, it was a burger recipe.

I DAMN WELL KNEW IT!

That piece of paper that slapped my face meant something. This confirmed that Burger Stand was the right business to choose.

I thank God for helping me.

At least now I don't have any problems.

However, the burger recipe costs 12 points, and I can't afford it right now.

What's so special about this recipe that it costs more than the Insignia Of Poultry?

I became interested. Unfortunately, I didn't have any way to increase my points except for daily training. It only gives me one point every day.

I sighed. My curiosity is killing me.

Maybe it's a burger recipe with a secret ingredient. Just like the Krabby Patty.

While I was busy, I noticed that Sophia was drooling on my t-shirt. I looked down and saw that Sophia was asleep.

I chuckled and wiped her drool. I put her in a comfortable position so she could get a good sleep.

Little princess, daddy will work hard to give you a bright future.

It was a heavy responsibility, and I was actually afraid. It was not easy for a father like me to put food on the table. What if the kids wanted something extravagant? What if they ask for fried chicken everyday? I can't afford those.

I'm ashamed that I can't give them cake every day. I know Sophia loves cake and it was humiliating for me to disappoint her.

I feel like I'm a disgrace as a father if I can't provide for them... Damn, I guess this was another reason why the original killed himself.

As we got closer, I noticed that the street was dirtier because of the garbage all around. The protest last night caused a lot of trouble and left this garbage behind.

Fortunately, the protesters stopped their riot today. At least the jeepney could pass the street freely.

When we got out of the jeepney, Sophia weakly opened her eyes and rubbed them.

"Muaah~" She yawned. A few seconds later, she fell back asleep.

On the way to our building, I heard murmurs around us.

"Hey, how about we rob that guy? He's obviously rich!"

"Are you crazy? If you want to do it in the middle of the day, don't blame us if you go to jail... At least wait until night, we can still get his car."

Huh? At first I was confused.

But the more steps I took, the more my vision caught a strange yet familiar person.

"Brother." I murmured as I recognized the person in the American suit.

"Keith, long time no see."

Sean Castillo stood beside his car, a red Ferrari. This man was my brother, the one I'm closest to.

My oldest brother, Jeremy Castillo, was too old and we didn't have much interaction. All I know is that he was too quiet and he always stayed in his own company. Back when I was a child, Jeremy gave me lots of toys...

My oldest brother was already married, but his relationship with his wife was a bit complicated, erm, their love story was kinda crazy... Seven years had passed and I had never heard from them.

"Keith..." Penelope was worried when she recognized Sean.

"Penelope, take the kids inside."

I knew Sean wanted to talk to me. I thought I was already an adult, but my chest was still heavy when I saw Sean. I felt like crying.

I have not seen him for years, of course I feel emotional.

But I have to keep my pride.

I approached my brother.

"Sean..."

"Hm, looks like your neighborhood is looking at me."

"Yes, they want to rob you."

"I see." Sean looked at Penelope and the kids.

"Hello Penelope? That's your name, right?"

"Thank you, brother-in-law, that is indeed my name. Then I will leave you brothers to talk."

"I have a gift for the children. Actually, it's only for your son. I'm sorry, I never know that you actually have another child."

He scratched his head awkwardly.

"It's okay." Penelope reluctantly accepted his goodwill and entered the building.

"Let's go. I don't want the atmosphere of this place. I feel like there was a riot here last night." Sean frowned.

"It did happen last night."

"Really? Haha, I guess I'm right."

Sean invited me into his Ferrari.

I was hesitant. But in the end I decided to get in the car. Maybe I already have an idea why my brother contacted me. I just hoped it would be a good thing for my family.

If Dad wanted me to leave my family, then I might as well stay broke with my wife and kids. I would never ask for forgiveness. Because this was the life I longed for.

He took me to a fancy restaurant. To be honest, my clothes were not appropriate for such a place. Fortunately, I adapted easily. I gracefully sliced a tender, medium-rare steak and chewed it in my mouth... I guess I miss this kind of meal every now and then.

"So how's your life?"

"It's okay. We went to Pangasinan last week and met Penelope's family."

"Did you have fun?

"Yes."

"That's good to hear."

"..."

"..."

There was an awkward pause. We were both too uncomfortable to talk. I didn't know how to talk to my brother and he didn't know how to talk to me.

In the end, the first course ended with us eating our food. We both wanted to talk, but we didn't know where to start.

"... Are you living well these days, Keith? Your apartment is in a questionable neighborhood."

"About that..."

I didn't know if I should tell my brother that our building was going to be torn down.