On a rainy Sunday, Evan and Michelle decided to attend the family gathering held on Evan's side. Eight-year-old Xiao An is Evan's nephew. The gathering was to celebrate Evan's sister Su San's son Xiao An's birthday.
Evan's sister, Su San, married a successful but strong-willed man, leading to frequent arguments and tension in their marriage. Xiao An often became a silent witness to these disputes, thus enduring a more complicated childhood than other children his age.
Evan was well aware of his sister's marital situation, so he and Michelle arrived early. When they arrived at the house, they found the front door wide open and the decorations for the celebration already set up.
They saw Xiao An sitting alone in the corner of the living room, holding a comic book, seemingly trying to escape the noise of the family gathering.
At the same time, Su San and her husband David are having a heated argument in the kitchen, their voices sharp and loud.
The continuous drizzle was tapping on the windows, and the world outside was shrouded in a hazy curtain of rain, as if reflecting the atmosphere at home. In the living room, the conversation between Su San and David was filled with intense emotions.
Su San's expression carried a hint of helplessness as she gently rubbed her forehead, seemingly trying to relieve the pressure in front of her.
She said to David, "Today is Xiao An's birthday, I don't want to argue with you. You always find a reason to fight every time."
David's face showed excitement, his brows furrowed deeply, and he responded angrily, "Is it too much for you to say that? Don't you really understand why I'm angry?"
Su San's brows furrowed, her eyes filled with confusion as she tried to explain, "What are you really angry about? Is it because my arrangements don't suit your taste again?"
David lost his patience, his tone becoming sharper, "Of course not! This is about our future, our family. You never want to listen to my advice."
Su San Emotions start to escalate, her voice gradually getting louder, "It's really unfair for you to say that! I've tried, but you always want to control everything in your hands."
Xiao An Sitting in a corner of the living room, holding a comic book, trying to shift his attention to the world of comics, away from this argument. However, he still can't completely ignore the arguing at home, his eyes showing unease.
"Xiao An, happy birthday!" Evan crouched down and smiled at Xiao An, trying to divert his attention.
Xiao An raised her head, her eyes filled with weariness. "Thank you, maternal uncle."
Michelle also walked over and sat next to Xiao An. "What manga are you reading?"
Xiao An whispered, "I think superheroes are cool because they can always solve problems."
Evan and Michelle exchanged a glance, instantly understanding Xiao An's admiration for superheroes, possibly stemming from a desire to resolve parental marital disputes.
After a while, the argument between Su San and David finally subsided, and the two of them walked into the living room with forced smiles on their faces.
"Evan, why are you here so early? You're two hours ahead of schedule, and you didn't even let me know. Is this your girlfriend?"
Evan smiled and greeted Su San and David, "Sorry, we're a little early. Su San, David, this is my girlfriend Michelle."
Su San warmly extended her hand, "Nice to meet you, Michelle! Welcome to Xiao An's birthday party."
Michelle held Su San's hand and smiled, responding, "I'm also very happy to meet you all. Thank you for inviting us to this special gathering."
David then followed closely, smiling friendly at Michelle and asked, "You two must have a very interesting story. How did you meet?"
Evan looked at Michelle with a warm gaze, "We met at work and gradually developed into a couple. Michelle is a special person in my life."
Michelle smiled gently, "Yes, Evan is also a very special person to me. We discovered common values and perspectives on life at work."
Su San bent down and patted Xiao An's head, "Sweetheart, Mommy and Daddy have organized a birthday party for you. Are you happy?"
Xiao An forced a smile, "Yes, thank you, Mommy."
Evan and Michelle couldn't help but feel heartbroken at the scene. They knew that Xiao An was not truly happy, and the arguments between his parents only made his young heart feel confused and sad.
As the family gathering began, guests arrived one after another, bringing gifts and blessings. But Xiao An's gaze always seemed distant, as if his mind was elsewhere.
David offered some snacks and began sharing his interests and hobbies with Evan and Michelle. Su San then chatted with Michelle about work and life, and it seemed like they had a lot in common.
Shortly after, Xiao An joined their conversation, and his expression seemed a bit brighter than before.
Michelle took the initiative to chat with him about superheroes, asking him about his favorite character. Xiao An excitedly shared his favorite and discussed the characteristics and adventure stories of various heroes with Michelle.
When the cake was brought to the table and the candles were lit, Su San and David sang a birthday song to Xiao An together. Xiao An made a wish and then blew out the candles.
"I hope mom and dad stop fighting." Xiao An said shakily, causing an awkward silence to fall over everyone.
Su San and David exchanged awkward glances, and Su San gently hugged Xiao An, comforting her: "Sweetheart, we will try our best not to fight anymore. I'm sorry we made you unhappy."
Xiao An nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes, "I just hope for a happy family."
This sentence deeply touched Evan and Michelle, especially Evan, who could empathize more deeply.
Xiao An is an innocent victim of family disputes, longing not only for a birthday wish, but also for a happy and harmonious family.
Michelle gently held Evan's hand, and they exchanged a meaningful glance, as if silently expressing their mutual commitment to not getting married. The family gathering continued, but it was no longer just a celebration of Xiao An's birthday; it became a profound moment of reflection.
Evan and Michelle firmly believe that happiness does not necessarily require the validation of marriage, but is built on the foundation of mutual respect and love. Both of them hope that Xiao An can find his own happiness in the future and avoid repeating the mistakes of his parents.
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