Afternoon in the Armand Estate.
Javier stretched his arms above his head, working out the last of the morning's tension. He leaned comfortably against the thick trunk of the old tree beside his personal workshop.
Not far away, Liana was tending the grill set up near the Pekko pen, her movements graceful as she flipped slices of marinated meat over the glowing coals.
Gloria hovered at her side, passing spices and basting sauce, the two maids working in easy rhythm, while the three mischievous Pekko eyed the meat on the grill, peeking through Liana and Gloria's shoulders.
Buddy inched a little too close.
Smack!
Javier smiled, watching how Liana smacked Buddy with the wooden spatula.
"Do you want your head on the grill?"
Buddy squawked in protest, shaking his head dramatically before retreating a few steps, only to sneak a glance again a moment later.
Javier chuckled at Buddy's behavior after Liana scolded him.
Then he exhaled, looking up at the sky.
