Just Friends And Nothing More

Chapter 7

Upon noticing Rodrigo's lack of response to his son's call, Ethan gently removed the right earphone and approached his father, lightly touching his shoulder. At that moment, Rodrigo paused his current activity, turned around, and then took his phone out of his pocket, pausing the music playback.

"Good morning! Son. Are you also planning to go for a walk?"

"Yes, I suppose you're planning to do the same, right?"

"It's been a while since the last time I did that."

"I understand... And what is the purpose of your presence in the kitchen?"

"I'm here to get a bottle of water."

"Understood."

Ethan turned to leave but immediately stopped upon hearing Rodrigo's call.

"Son!"

"Yes?"

"Would it be possible for you to join me for a run?"

"Certainly, no problem at all."

With caution, Rodrigo closed the refrigerator door, and then both of them silently made their way to the living room, opening the door and stepping outside. Ethan kept only the right earphone, while Rodrigo did the same but inadvertently left the earphone in his left ear.

Later, the young man suggested to his father to do a brief warm-up, as it had been a long time since they last went for a run together. After considering his son's suggestion, they both started the activity, beginning with a moderate pace and gradually increasing it over time.

After some time had passed, they decided to interrupt their run as they approached a park. Feeling fatigued, Rodrigo promptly sought to hydrate himself, while noticing that his son appeared completely refreshed. While Ethan was distracted with his mobile device, he quickly shifted his attention to the side upon hearing his father's call.

"Son, could you tell me what happened between you and your brother yesterday?" Rodrigo asked with an expression of interest, making an effort to maintain a serious demeanor.

"Nathan still carries a sense of guilt regarding the events that occurred two years ago," the young man said with a serious expression.

"I suppose you had a difference of opinions, right?"

"In reality, I just assured him that he wasn't responsible for what happened... And indeed he wasn't. However, as you well know, it's his peculiar temperament."

"Indeed, I acknowledge that I also had my share of responsibility in those events."

"We are both innocent in this matter, and honestly, father... this is something I'd rather not discuss further."

"I understand perfectly, after all, the past events are already in the past. It's wiser to live in the present and direct our efforts towards the future."

Though Ethan and Rodrigo may not have a harmonious relationship, their views are notably similar. After about 10 minutes had passed, Rodrigo glanced at the watch on his wrist, which made Ethan realize that the day was no longer shrouded in darkness.

"Is there a problem?" the young man asked.

"No, I'm just checking the time. It's important to remember that we need to prepare for the change," Rodrigo replied.

"I understand..."

Later, both of them stayed at the park for a few more minutes before continuing with their exercise. After completing a few more laps around the park, they decided to head back home.

However, they made a brief stop at a bakery along the way, where they took the opportunity to buy some bread. After finishing this short break, they continued until they reached home, where most people were already awake.

Ethan warmly greeted his mother and sister-in-law before heading to his room. Rodrigo, on the other hand, followed the same protocol but made a brief stop in the kitchen to drop off the bread before retiring to his room.

Priscila and Kamilla noticed with some surprise that both of them chose to exercise together. However, this fact pleased them as they could see a growing mutual understanding between them.

After taking a shower, both Rodrigo and his younger son changed their clothes and headed to the dining room. There, they pulled out their chairs and sat down. Rodrigo noticed that his brother Nathan was not present and directed his gaze towards Nathan's wife, who was enjoying breakfast.

"Where is Nathan?" he asked, showing partial interest as he had a sense that his brother might still be resentful of the words he had spoken the night before.

"Your brother took care of getting the boxes needed to pack some of the items," Kamilla replied with a slightly disinterested look towards Ethan.

The young man couldn't fully grasp the meaning of that look but chose not to dwell on it, redirecting his gaze to the generously stocked table with a variety of delicious delicacies, including fruits, which were rare for breakfasts. So, after serving himself, Ethan began to enjoy his tasty breakfast.

Suddenly, Ethan heard the chords of a melody, and based on the tone of voice and the music being sung, he quickly deduced that it was his brother, who had returned. Minutes later, Nathan entered the dining room, holding his daughter in his arms. He then lowered himself, gently placing the little girl on the floor, who walked towards her grandmother and hugged her, followed by a kiss on the cheek. Shortly after, the little one repeated the gesture with her grandfather.

Alice greeted her uncle with a warm hug and then pulled out a chair, sat down, and started serving herself. Nathan approached his wife, leaned down gently to kiss her forehead, and then greeted his parents and his brother before taking a seat.

After finishing breakfast, both individuals selected some boxes and headed to specific areas of the house to start the organizing process. At that moment, Ethan was finishing organizing the last two boxes when his father appeared at the bedroom door.

"Sorry to interrupt, but do you know where your brother is?" Rodrigo asked, glancing at the watch on his wrist.

"No problem, I'm done anyway... And no, I haven't seen him since we had breakfast," Ethan replied, displaying a serious expression.

"Where could he have gone?" muttered the man.

"Have you checked if he's not in the attic?"

"Yes, I have! Only Kamilla was there arranging things."