Little Gary paused and waited in the hallway. After a moment he heard Maria's voice again, "Daddy, I'm sorry. I shouldn't bother Gary and Ernest and disturb them from resting."
She was getting more and more sensible.
Zachary was happy from the bottom of his heart.
She said honestly, "I did it on purpose. I just wanted to see if they could stay up later than me, but they are really weak. They fainted after only a night. I think Gary faked it all, but like you said, jokes go two ways. I won't laugh at him anymore as I don't want to be laughed at either."
"Good girl. You're the best." He was very pleased. He picked up his daughter and said, "If you see Little Gary and Ernest later, remember to apologize."
"It's a little embarrassing to apologize," she said. "Do you think they'll laugh at me?"
"No," he looked at her encouragingly. "After you apologize, you can mend your friendship with them. I'm sure they will also reflect on their own behavior. You all can still be good friends. If you don't take care of other people's feelings, then you won't be able to make any friends. Admitting your mistakes when you're wrong is the right thing to do."
"Okay, Daddy. I'll listen to you. I'll say sorry to them when I see them. I'll also apologize to Aunt Grace and Uncle Heinz as well. I now know that my actions yesterday were wrong. I disturbed their rest," Maria's voice turned softer and her head lowered as she spoke.
"It's okay. They will understand. This is also my responsibility as your father," Zachary said, "If I was always by your side, you would be able to understand these life values."
"It's okay, Daddy. I don't blame you." She knew and learned more now from her dad. She comforted him and said, "Don't blame yourself. Let's go, Daddy."
Little Gary had been listening to their conversation this whole time in the hallway without moving. Listening to what his uncle said, he also felt that his actions that day might have been wrong, too.
He thought to himself that he should have considered Maria's feelings.
Zachary and Maria walked out and they saw Little Gary standing in the hallway, seemingly deep in thought.
Zachary was surprised to find him there and thought to himself that the boy must have stood there for quite a long time.
"Gary," Maria cried out in a crisp voice.
Little Gary then immediately broke out into a smile and looked at both of them. "Uncle Zachary, Maria. You're awake, I was just looking for you both."
"Ah? Looking for us?"
She suddenly felt a little nervous when she saw Little Gary's smile. She could not help but ask, "How long have you been standing here? Have you heard the secret between me and Daddy?"
"No. What secret is it?" He denied it, "I just came out. What secrets do you have that you're so afraid of me hearing?"
Zachary's gaze turned sharp when he heard Little Gary's words. He thought to himself that the boy was cunning and smart to lie about it to them. Despite this, he didn't want to expose his white lie.
"Oh, so you didn't hear anything we say." Maria breathed a sigh of relief. What she feared most was that her secret would be heard by others.
"Maria." Gary looked at her and said, "I want to apologize for being impatient with you today. I was a little tired which was why I did what I did. I'm sorry and next time, I'll try to be patient with
you, okay?"
Little Gary knew that if he apologized first, he would gain the upper hand.
He might be young, but he knew how things worked.
Zachary was surprised to hear Little Gary's apology.
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