Just Friends And Nothing More

Chapter 6

Nathan drove the vehicle to the playground, and once they arrived, everyone got out. Alice promptly grabbed Ethan's arm, leading him towards one of the play structures. Nathan let out a discreet sigh and followed them to the slide. Then, Alice headed towards another toy, taking Ethan with her.

Both of them enjoyed moments of intense joy. Nathan could see a slight smile appear on his younger brother's face. Deciding to take a brief rest, he chose to sit on a wooden bench nearby, acknowledging that he wouldn't be able to keep up with his daughter's energetic pace.

Suddenly, a hand holding a soda can materialized in front of Nathan's eyes. He directed his gaze to the hand and then to the side, noticing that Ethan also held another soda can in his right hand.

"Please decide quickly, as my physical condition is not the best, and my arm is starting to fall asleep."

Nathan promptly took the can from his brother's hand and opened it immediately. Ethan settled into the adjacent seat, and in the meantime, they both remained in contemplative silence, watching Alice have fun on the playground toys.

"I apologize."

"For what?" Nathan asked, expressing surprise.

"For the event that happened two years ago. I recognize that I became an inadequate brother, and I think we have drifted apart a bit."

"It wasn't your fault, and I ask that you don't mention it anymore..."

"However, it was because of that incident that you ended up..."

"Nathan, I intend to preserve the scarce bond of friendship that still lingers between us... So, I request that you no longer bring up this subject, is that clear?"

"I understand... However, I maintain my opinion that what happened back then was not appropriate."

"It doesn't matter if it was right or wrong. It's a matter that doesn't concern you."

Ethan finished his carbonated drink, properly disposed of the can in the designated container, and promptly rejoined Alice. Meanwhile, Nathan remained seated, immersed in deep thoughts about his brother's words. After completing the task at hand, they continued their journey and made a stop at a renowned ice cream parlor, as Alice insisted strongly, considering Nathan's sensitivity.

Throughout the day, they enjoyed a trip to the cinema, where Nathan almost found himself compelled to watch the movie Toy Story 2. At the end of the screening, Nathan glanced at the clock and realized it was 6 p.m. When he looked back at Alice, he noticed she was peacefully resting, with her head leaning on Ethan's arm.

After getting up from his chair, Nathan picked up his daughter in his arms, and together they made their way to the mall parking lot where they had watched the movie. During the journey back home, both Ethan and his brother chose to maintain a respectful silence. Nathan had a pensive expression, drawing Ethan's curiosity, who decided not to inquire about the thoughts occupying his mind at that moment.

Upon returning home, Nathan led his daughter to the attic room, while Ethan headed to his own quarters. Later, after completing his personal hygiene routine, the young man made his way to the dining room, where his mother had already prepared dinner.

While enjoying their meal, Priscila and Rodrigo exchanged meaningful glances, occasionally directing their gaze towards their eldest son, who remained notably quiet since his return from the outing he had with his brother.

Even Kamilla noticed, surprisingly, the unusual calmness of her husband. She looked at her brother-in-law, realizing that he maintained his typical serious expression, as usual.

"Did something happen between you two?" Kamilla asked, noticing the noticeable tranquility between them.

Nathan and Ethan exchanged a brief glance before shifting their attention to the young redhead.

"No," they both replied simultaneously.

"Are you sure?" Priscila asked, displaying curiosity about the reason that led them to be in such a state.

"Indeed, there was no incident," they both replied, simultaneously.

"Undoubtedly, something significant happened, otherwise, you wouldn't exhibit such behavior."

Nathan left the tableware, got up, and made his way to the living room. Within a few seconds, the sound of the door closing echoed. Verônica also stood up, ready to follow her husband, but her intention was interrupted by Ethan.

"Allow me to take on this responsibility."

Ethan got up and followed the path taken by his brother. Outside, Nathan remained still, gazing at the starry sky. The young man approached silently, standing beside him, and fixed his gaze in the same direction as Nathan.

"It's remarkable in its beauty, isn't it?"

"I understand... Forgive me if I'm interpreting incorrectly, but you don't seem upset, right?" Ethan asked, his curiosity also leading him to question the reason behind that posture.

"No, actually, I'm just reflective about... Well, you know," Nathan replied in a calm tone.

"Yes, indeed... However, it's important to remember what I mentioned earlier: you shouldn't blame yourself," Ethan advised.

"How can I say that I had no fault at all? After all, because of my actions, you..."

Aware that he was on the verge of uttering inappropriate words, Nathan fell silent for a moment, only to speak again afterwards.

"By the way, could you clarify the reason for doing that?"

"You mean, two years ago?"

"Certainly."

"Honestly, I don't have a precise knowledge of the reason... However, I have no regrets, as I was fully aware of the consequences that would occur."

"Nevertheless..."

"Let's end this discussion for now, and please refrain from blaming yourself for that..." Ethan let out a soft sigh. "The past is gone, we should live in the present and focus solely on the future."

The next day.

Ethan woke up at 5 a.m., got up, and went to the wardrobe, where he selected a gray sweatpants and t-shirt set to wear. After putting on his athletic shoes, Ethan grabbed his wireless headphones, connecting them to his mobile device via Bluetooth, and then positioned them on his ears.

After completing these actions, he walked to the entrance of the room, opened it, turned off the lights, and left the room. While descending the stairs, Ethan heard a noise coming from the kitchen area. Feeling intrigued, the young man made his way towards the said location and, upon entering, he saw his father wearing the same sweatpants set that Ethan usually wore for his morning walks at 5 a.m.

"Dad," Ethan called out.