Marcus exited the bathroom and dried his hands as he took the phone in stride.

    Before he could even glance at the message, Jacob whispered in his ear, urging him to hurry up and say yes to her. I haven't been to a birthday party in ages."

    Marcus laughed as he read the message.

    He sent the message over, "Good."

The next day.

    The old house in the countryside finally welcomed its owner.

    "Grandpa, you guys can go ahead and play chess in the yard. I'll go visit the neighbors with Marcus. Is that okay?"

    Jacob picked a stone bench and sat down. He smiled as he picked up a...