The next day, Larry didn't wake up to go to school. He locked himself inside his room, not opening to anyone. His mother and step-father tried to talk it out to him but he still wouldn't come out.

Mrs. Fah, Larry's mother, told one of the maids to go grab the key but Mr. Fah, Larry's step-father, he's also Can's biological father, said it would be best to leave Larry alone for a bit.

Mrs. Fah - (shook her head in unbelievable at Larry's outside door and turned to her husband.) but I want to know what happened. He could be sick.

Mr. Fah - but he doesn't want to talk right now. It'll be alright. Let's just wait until lunch and if he still hasn't come out, then we can open the door.

Mrs. Fah nodded in agreement.

***Tul, Tin's brother took his wife and daughter to visit his parents right after his daughter came home from school. As they arrived at the door, Mrs. Vich quickly greets them with happiness. The daughter, Mia, was only 6 years old She rushed to hug her grandma.

Mia - Hi grandma!

Mrs. Vich - Hi sweety! How have you been?

Mia - ok, grandma!

After that, she rushed inside the house.

Tul smiled at his energetic daughter whom she zoomed upstairs.

Once they got inside, Tul and his wife, Nana, was sitting on the sofa with their parents as the maids bring them some fresh, cold drinks.

Mr. Vich - (laughed) about time you guys come to visit.

Tul - (sighed) finally have some free time.

Nana - (leaned in to whisper to her husband.) Where's Mia?

Tul - (looked around) probably just running around upstairs. I'll go get her.

Just then, Mia came running down.

Mia - where is Uncle Tin?

Tul - Uncle Tin? He's probably at school, honey.

Mia - (frown sadly) when is he coming home?

Mrs. Vich quickly said...

Mrs. Vich - Mia, how about you and your mother come and help me make some cookies? How's that sound?

Mia - (jumped happily) cookies yeah!!!

Mrs. Vich, Nana, and Mia went into the kitchen, leaving the two men sat alone.

Mr. Vich scoffed angrily.

Mr. Vich - that scumbag, he didn't even come home last night. He never answers his phone too. I don't know what to do to him anymore, Tul.

Tul looked at his father with worrisome.

Tul - he didn't come home last night?

Mr. Vich - and the other day before that too!

Mr. Vich's anger risen as Tul quickly leaned in closer to his father while taking a quick glance at the kitchen, not wanting Mia to hear.

Tul - father, speak softer. Mia is in the house.

Mr. Vich scoffed annoyingly but also taken aback from his behavior.

Tul sighed heavily as he scratched his head.

Tul - did...you beat him?

Mr. Vich shot his wide eyes at Tul.

Mr. Vich - I did not.

Tul gave his father a look like he doesn't believe him.

Mr. Vich - okay fine. I did. Because I was mad!

Tul was so tired of his father's aggressive behavior.

Tul - Daaaad... you still hit him? How many times had I told you not to do that anymore?

Mr. Vich - cuz he never listens! He always causing trouble, making me and your mom wor--! (Stopped himself from talking)

Tul noticed his dad flustered. He also knows what his dad was about to say too. His dad is worried about Tin, but with such a thick face he is, he won't admit easily.

Tul - dad, me and Tin are not kids anymore. I admit, when we were young, it's fun to see him getting beat up but now... I have a life. I am a father now... I couldn't even hit my daughter with just a small pat. (Lay back on the sofa with the face of regretful.) I want this family and I mean Tin, you, me, and mom... to get along. I really want to see that coming, father... please.

Mr. Vich didn't know how to react. That's what he wants more than anything. But him being a father, it's going to make him lose his pride if he's the one who's going to apologize first. He's just so used to beating Tin up to the point that it's a normal thing now. He actually feels really ashamed by what the young man said to him yesterday.

Can - (shook his head in unbelievable.) I can't believe I am seeing this from a well-educated man! Not just any man, but a father! And seeing him beating his own child with full force, I can't help it but feel very very sad and disappointed! What a shame! You hear me! What a shame!

Tin gazed up at his father with hatred.

Tin - I don't want to be here! This is not home! This is hell!

The memories came back like a flood and Mr. Vich closed his eyes as he massages his head to loosen up the headache.

Tul - I know Tin hates me but he never counts it against Mia. He's a good uncle to her. The reason why I brought her here today was because she always whinning about wanting to see Tin. And... (Held a deep breath and let out) I also wanted to apologize to him.

Mr. Vich opened his eyes and looked at his son.

Tul - (stared straight at his dad) I will gain Tin's trust again.

************author's note*************

Thank you for all the kind words and votes!