After washing their hands, the kids took their seats at the dining table. Their tiny faces lit up as they looked forward to devouring the sumptuous dishes on the table. However, they did not dare to make any move until Carla and Zayn were present.
Carla helped out in the kitchen while waiting for Zayn to come down from upstairs.
Pacing back and forth, she was very anxious. When she was about to check on him again, Bugara showed up and informed her, "Mrs. Giblo, Mr. Giblo asks that you go ahead with the children first. There's an urgent matter which needs his attention."
Hearing that, Carla's trembled in fear. She knew it at once that Zayn's condition had worsened. Yet, she had to maintain her composure and not make the children worry.
I must stay calm.
"Okay, got it, " she said, suppressing her bad feelings. She put on a straight face and feigned calmness. "Mrs. Bolistin, please save some for Zayn and Benard. The kids and I will eat first."
"Sure, Mrs. Giblo, " Mrs. Bolistin choked on her words as she spoke, but she, too, tried to be composed.
"All right, darlings, let's dig in, " Carla invited the little ones for dinner.
Immediately, they started eating without hesitation.
Venus was concerned. "Mommy, why is Daddy so busy?"
"Ya, can't he work after dinner?" Josh looked in the direction of the staircase. "Shall I bring him some food?"
"Oh, there's no need for that. Daddy is still working, so let's not disturb him. Once he's done, he will come down."
"But—"
"Why do you have so much to ask? Just eat your food, " Randy barked.
Josh was taken aback by the sudden reprimand. Feeling wronged, he grumbled, "Why did you yell at me, Randy?"
"Just eat your food." Randy glared at him.
"You have a terrible attitude, Randy." Josh was enraged. "You're always sullen and scolding others for no apparent reason. How annoying!"
"Oh, Josh…" Right when Carla was about to coax him, Randy rose to his feet and left the table.
"Look at him, Mommy!" Josh went ballistic. He pointed at Randy and complained, "He had a run-in with me out of a sudden and then stormed off. This is too much!"
"Don't be so upset, Josh." Carla comforted him with a hug. "I'll go check on Randy. You guys continue with your dinner."
With that, Carla trotted after Randy, only to find him by the lake in the garden, all alone.
He was furiously punching and kicking the tree bark. Though his knuckles were wounded, he had no intention to stop.
Carla gazed at him from afar. She did not stop him nor disturb him. Tears streaked her face as she felt so sorry for both Zayn and Randy.
Josh accused Randy of simply taking out his anger on others. Little did he know that Randy had been going through a tough time, shouldering immense pressure.
He knew that Zayn's condition had worsened to a detrimental stage. Hence, he exhausted all means to look for Derelo, but to no avail. All of these unfavorable happenings had landed him in a state of anxiousness and panic.
Therefore, when faced with the immaturity of his siblings, Randy lost control of his emotions and ended up lashing out at Josh.
Carla completely understood how he felt and the emotional turmoil that he was going through. Her heart sank every time she thought about the immeasurable pressure that Randy had to face as a child.
"Why? Why?" After releasing his anger, Randy sat on the ground and started bawling his eyes out.
Carla did not console him right away. She remained watchful from a distance, giving him the time and space he needed to regulate his emotions. Perhaps, he will feel much better after this.
After what seemed like an eternity, Randy wiped away his tears and asked Carla, who appeared before him. "Mommy, when are you going to Mount Phoenix?"
"First thing tomorrow morning." She propped him up and bandaged his wounds with a handkerchief.
Sobbing, she said, "Randy, I know how awful you feel about all these. I also understand that you're under a lot of pressure. Though I have no idea how to make you feel better, I want you to be well. Leave the rest to me, will you?"
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