The Family of Happiness
The Family of Happiness
The day was slowly waning into evening. Beyond the high, wrought-iron gates of the Whitmore estate lay a manicured garden filled with flowerbeds, neat pathways, and a small fountain. Soft music drifted from the open windows of the large two-story house, and the air was thick with the scent of fresh baking.
A few members of the family had gathered at the entrance. Vivian Whitmore stood slightly ahead of the others, watching the arrival of the community's newest member with a welcoming smile. Beside her stood Jonathan—a tall man with a confident gaze and a calm smile.
— So, here you are! Welcome home. We are so glad you are with us now.
She took a step forward and tenderly adjusted the collar of their clothing, as if she had long held the right to do so. Her fingers lingered at their neck a moment longer than necessary. Vivian affectionately brushed her thumb against their skin before smoothing a small fold in the fabric and smiling even wider.
— There, much better. It is our custom here to look after one another.
— Let us not weary our new relative with endless greetings right away. There is plenty of time ahead. I hope that here, you will find everything you have been lacking before.
He extended a hand in a welcoming gesture. Behind him, Madison appeared, practically bouncing with impatience.
— Hi! I'm Madison! If you need anything at all, please come to me. I can show you the garden, the library, our living room... Oh, and the kitchen! Evelyn made an amazing pie today!
A little further off, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe, stood Ethan. He cast a fleeting glance at the scene, rolled his eyes, and returned to his phone.
— Just don't forget to mention the family prayers. You know, lest someone decides this is just a hotel.
— Ethan, please, — Vivian said softly, but with a warning.
The boy merely smirked.
At that moment, Jonathan noticed a car parked just outside the gates. Two strangers stood beside it: a man in a dark jacket and a redhead. They were talking amongst themselves, occasionally glancing toward the estate.
— It seems we have guests from the outside world. Pay them no mind; some people still do not understand that we wish no harm to anyone here.
His smile did not waver in the slightest.
— Oh, I almost forgot! Your room is already prepared. We will show you everything after dinner. For now, make yourself at home and look around. There are no strangers here, only family.
She once again touched their shoulder tenderly, letting her palm linger a little longer than ordinary politeness would require.
— And one more thing, sweetheart. We believe in sharing our feelings here. There is no need to keep things bottled up. We are one family now, aren't we?