I wake up early on Winterfest, missing my family, but determined to make the day great for Kai. I take some time to decorate the front room, then prepare myself some breakfast…which doesn’t go so well. I could use a lot more practice.
I sit down to eat while watching the cooking channel, hoping to pick up a few pointers. Kai gets up soon after. I have a big surprise for him.
Prosperity: It’s a Winterfest tree, Kai! We get to decorate it and put pretty lights on it.
I sit Kai down in his highchair and give him his breakfast, and then I get started on decorating the tree.
I’m in the middle of decorating when a strange, unfamiliar voice startles me.
Stranger: Excuse me, miss. I’m here for –
I hit him right in the stomach. He doubles over in pain, with the wind knocked completely out of him.
Prosperity: Who the hell are you? And how did you get in here?
Afu: *struggling to breathe* I – I’m Afu Topasna. I’m answering your ad…for a roommate.
Prosperity: That answers part of my question. Keep going…
Afu: When I was about to knock, the door opened. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.
I must have forgotten to make sure the door was closed and locked when I went out to get a few packages off the porch. It doesn’t excuse him from just walking in on Kai and me while we’re still in pajamas, though.
Prosperity: It’s not a good first impression for a potential roommate, but I’ll give you a chance. Wait here while I get my son and I ready.
I head to the back to make myself more presentable, but Kai stays near Afu, trying to talk to him. There’s no way I’m leaving my son alone with a stranger. I turn around and pick Kai up to take him to his bedroom to change.
Afu is still standing near the tree when we return.
I sit Kai down with his tablet while Afu and I talk on the couch. (Let’s ignore the ball of clay in his hand – lol)
Afu: I’m sorry for just barging in. I called out, but I guess you didn’t hear me.
Prosperity: That’s why doorbells exist. But never mind that. You’re here now. Are you a student?
Afu: I’m a recent graduate. I just landed my first job
Prosperity: What do you do?
Afu: I’m a Wildlife Enthusiast.
I’m hit with a big case of déjà vu as I think about Craig and the conservationist group in Sulani.
Prosperity: Why are you here and not somewhere like Sulani?
Afu: There’s wildlife here too, with all of the rivers and lakes in the area.
He has a point.
Prosperity: So, it sounds like you can afford the rent then.
Afu: Yes, and I’m clean and quiet. I’m not a partier either. You’d barely know that I’m here.
Afu and I continue to talk for a while. He seems like a nice guy, and he’s not bad looking either. I stop myself as soon as his looks cross my mind. It’s not about his looks. It can’t be. My goals in life have changed now. Good looks have gotten me in trouble enough in my life. Kai is my focus now. Dating would only get in the way of that.
(Prosperity’s Aspiration: changed from Serial Romantic to Super Parent)
Prosperity: I’m willing to give this a try. As I listed in the ad, the apartment is fully furnished. How soon can you move in?
Afu: Today if that works for you.
Prosperity: On Winterfest? Don’t you have any family? No plans?
Afu: I didn’t have a chance to fly home this year. I start work tomorrow. So I’ll be spending this Winterfest alone.
It’s a little sad that he’ll be spending the holiday alone, but it’s not my problem. So I leave it at that.
Prosperity: oh, well, here’s the key. Go ahead and check it out.
I give Afu the key as he gets up from the couch.
Afu descends the stairs and enters the downstairs apartment. He’s thrilled with what he sees. He’s sure to get a lot of work done living here. He sits down in a chair with a book off the shelf, looking to settle in as soon as possible.
The old me would never let a good looking guy like that spend the holiday alone, but I’m a mom now. The only guy that deserves my time and attention is Kai. I return to the tree to finish the decorating, just before receiving a call on my cell. I look at my phone and see that it’s mama.
I answer the call and wish ma a very happy Winterfest. After expressing how much they all miss us, she lets me know that Pop-pop is spending Winterfest with them, Auntie Michelle, and Auntie Sophia’s family. I’m pleased to hear that he won’t be spending it alone. I thank her for the gifts she sent and promise to send pictures of Kai and me. Then we say our goodbyes. I miss them all so much, but I’m glad to have this time alone to bond and build memories with Kai.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
