"Mr. and Mrs. Echeverii has arrived," Mom announced their presence.

I glanced at the new arrivals and smiled as I spotted Ellwood in his black suit.

"What are you waiting for, Emory?" Mom turned her scowl face at me.

I stood up to greet them.

Good evening, my dear friend! Happy birthday!" Uncle Geoffrey said, offering a handshake to Dad which the latter gladly accepted, also doing the same to Auntie Stella.

"Thank you," Dad returned a smile.

Ellwood also greeted him and kissed both Dad and Mom on the cheek. "Happy birthday, Tito.."

He then turned to me and pecked a kiss on my check. "Hi..." he whispered.

I...