Mason smiled. "Yes, I missed you."

Oliver's smile broadened, his eyes growing even softer. "I missed you too, and I came with a gift."

He said this while pulling out a set of books behind him, as if he was performing a magic show.

"Last time I saw you, you were reading this series at home, so I bought the original edition when I was abroad. Do you like it?" he asked.

Mason's face broke out in a grin. "Thank you, Uncle Oliver!"

He snatched up the books and began to page through them, his normally placid face finally exhibiting the childlike zeal of one his age.

I smiled cynically...