The eruption of laughter coming from one side of the lake attracted Leslie's interest. Turning her head in the direction, she saw Calliope and Irene playing together by the bank.
"Aaa! Look!"
"Hehe, that one is cute ah."
Crouching side by side, the child and the high school girl had fun building a tower of pebbles. They started from the biggest rock as the following ones gradually shrank in size.
Leslie couldn't help but think how picture-perfect the sight of Calliope and Irene was. As the sunlight filtered through the rustling leaves of the nearby tree, it cast swaying shadows on them.
"You look relieved."
The familiar mellow voice melted her lips into a smile.
"Hehe, I am..."
Tearing her gaze away from Calliope and Irene, Leslie smiled at Calix. Her eyes met his, looking at the man who sat right next to her.
"I indeed feel relieved..."
Leslie's reiteration prompted Calix to chuckle.