Chapter 7 Is This Truly His Work?

• After Calvin departed, Timothy rose from his seat and strode to the floor-to-ceiling window.
• The condition of Timothy's grandpa, Joseph Maberry, was declining rapidly, making it imperative to locate Arwen.
• Thoughts raced through Timothy's mind. After a while, he furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss.
• Carson's room was unusually silent.
• Typically, homework sessions were accompanied by tears and tantrums. However, this time, an unusual silence hung in the air.
• Is he up to mischief once again?
• Turning sharply, Timothy left the study and headed for the room, where an eerie silence pervaded the air.
• Timothy's sense of foreboding intensified.
• Upon reaching the door, he took a deep breath and pushed it open.
• In an instant, he beheld his son diligently engrossed in his studies!
• Timothy was momentarily taken aback.
• There was no feigned illness, no tears—just quiet dedication to homework assignments.
• Perplexed, he approached. Cayden set his workbook aside and shook his head.
• Timothy thought to himself. Apparently, his pretense of diligence couldn't last for more than ten minutes.
• "I understand these study materials might pose a challenge for you, but avoiding it isn't the solution. If you're struggling, feel free to ask me for help," Timothy said earnestly.
• Cayden looked at him in surprise. "This is basic textbook knowledge. Where's the difficulty?"
• "Where did you acquire the habit of making excuses and boasting?" Timothy snapped.
• Enraged, he opened the workbook, but his words caught in his throat.
• Every page was neatly filled with answers.
• Not a single mistake in the poetry exercises.
• Timothy was stunned.
• Is this truly the work of my academically challenged son?
• Observing Timothy's astonishment, Cayden felt pity for him.
• How much has reality crushed him to lower his expectations of his child so drastically?
• It took Timothy a while to recover from his shock.
• He breathed a sigh of relief, his demeanor unusually gentle. "Did you write all of this yourself, without copying the answers?"
• Cayden's expression was indescribable.
• Copying the answers? Is this man insulting my intelligence?
• After inquiring, Timothy realized it was unnecessary. He had long since removed the answer section from the back of the workbook.
• He felt a wave of relief. After all these years, he finally witnessed his son's academic progress—a cause for celebration regardless.
• He nodded approvingly. "There are a few more here. Since you're doing well, let's complete them together. After that, you're permitted to go out and play today."
• Cayden's eyes sparkled with delight!
• I can go out? Does that imply I can return home?
• He inquired with widened eyes, "If I complete these homework assignments, you won't confine me anymore, and I can go out?"
• Timothy seldom pondered if he was overly stringent with his child on regular days, causing him to find such minor gestures so gratifying.
• He affirmed, "Indeed, once finished, you'll have your freedom tonight."
• Without hesitation, Cayden persisted in his diligent writing!
• Oh my, this man seems rather pitiable. Let me strive to enhance his happiness by completing more homework assignments. Once finished, I must quickly return home. Otherwise, Mommy will worry.
• ...
• Meanwhile, on the 26th floor downstairs.
• Carson sat at the dining table, observing Wendalyn's deft movements in the kitchen. He hesitated to broach the subject of the tattletale and spoil the pleasant ambiance.
• Wow, Mommy's culinary skills are truly impressive. That potato, previously so plump and round, has instantly transformed into mashed potatoes! And those shredded carrots are finely done to perfection. It's remarkable how she can effortlessly shape two tortellinis with just one hand. Mommy's dexterity is truly outstanding!
• Before long, the table was adorned with delicious dishes.
• At the sight of the table full of food, tears of emotion welled up at the corners of Carson's mouth, unable to be contained.
• This isn't just the scent of the dishes; it's undoubtedly the flavor of Mommy's love. However, why are they all vegetarian dishes? Could it be that Mommy faces hardships over the years and can't afford meat? Oh, poor Mommy.
• "Sweetie, what are you contemplating? Let's eat!" Wendalyn interjected, noticing her son's reluctance to partake. She placed a bowl of creamy carrot soup beside him.
• Since childhood, Cayden had never favored meat dishes, and Raelynn, with her delicate appetite, had preferred lighter fare.
• Over time, Wendalyn had grown accustomed to preparing more vegetarian meals.
• "Mommy, I'd like some too," Raelynn murmured, expressing her desire.
• Mommy?
• Carson's mind was suddenly flooded with alarm bells.
• What? This tattletale is also Mommy's child? No wonder Mommy hasn't visited me over the years. It must be because she took Mommy away from me!
• He pondered further, wondering, But does she have better gaming skills than me? Does she display more affection than me to Mommy? Is she as endearing as I am? Well, perhaps she is a tad more adorable than I am. Nevertheless, she can't vie with me for Mommy.
• The more Carson contemplated, the more incensed he became.
• Without deliberation, he placed the plate of sauteed mushrooms beside Raelynn and remarked, "Why have soup when you can enjoy this? It's delicious!"
• However, secretly, he couldn't suppress his joy. Mushrooms were deemed the most daunting food in the world!
• Neither he nor Timothy fancied them, and he doubted she could stomach them.
• Yet, in the next instant, he witnessed Raelynn spear a forkful of mushrooms, appearing moved. "Oh, Caydy! You're so considerate; you know I adore mushrooms the most."
• With that, she turned and planted a kiss on Carson's cheek!