The Richards Legacy

Currently following Generation 4's Malaysia.

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Disappointed

Andrei's Condo

When I woke up, Andrei was already gone for practice. I stayed in bed for a while, not really doing anything, just trying not to think about last night.

The whole day felt slow. I did a little cleaning, but mostly just moped until he finally came home. As soon as he walked in, I apologized.

He looked disappointed, not mad… just tired. I asked if he was going to tell my dad. He didn’t answer right away. Then he said no. He promised to take care of me, and he felt like he failed because he didn’t get rid of the alcohol in the house.

I didn’t know what to say. I just nodded and then he held me.

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Harvestfest Break - The Bottle

Andrei's Condo

After Andrei fell asleep, I stayed up scrolling.

Everyone was posting their Harvestfest pictures with family. Then I saw the ones from home… the ones about Grandma. It hit me out of nowhere. I’d been fine all day, but suddenly I wasn’t.

I went to the kitchen, found a bottle of wine, and drank way more than I should’ve. Andrei found me on the floor with the bottle in my hand. I kept apologizing, but he didn’t say much. He just took it from me, picked me up, and carried me back to bed.

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Harvestfest Break - Anticipation

Andrei's Condo

When we got home, things got steamy fast.

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Harvestfest Dinner

San Sequoia

Later that night, we got dressed and took a few pictures before heading out. I was so relieved when Andrei told me to dress casually. I definitely didn’t pack anything formal for this trip. And most stores were closed.

The coach’s house was beautiful. Inside, there were about twenty, maybe twenty‑five players and their families. Tables full of food, staff walking around with trays, everyone talking and laughing.

We grabbed plates, ate, hung out for a bit, and made a couple to‑go plates before heading back to the condo.

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Harvestfest Break - Post Game

Landgraab Stadium - San Sequoia

After Andrei went into the locker room, I waited where he told me to. He came out a little later, clean and dressed, still smiling from the win. We walked to the car together.

On the drive home, he told me his coach was hosting a Harvestfest dinner for the players who didn’t have family in town. We decided we’d go.

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Harvestfest Break - Gametime

Landgraab Stadium - San Sequoia

The stadium was packed when we pulled up. You could feel the energy before we even got inside.

I watched from the crowd, cheering every time Andrei touched the ball. He was locked in the whole game, running plays, making big moves, doing what he does. He even scored a touchdown.

When the final whistle blew and they won, I made my way down to the field. He found me right away. We hugged, kissed, and took a quick picture before he had to run into the locker room.

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Harvestfest Break - Game Ready

San Sequoia

A couple hours later, I got ready and waited. Janae texted me when she pulled the car around (they live in the same building), and we headed to the stadium together.

I've met her before and she seems cool. Her man is a rookie too.

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Harvestfest Morning

Andrei's Condo - San Sequoia

They woke up early. Nothing big for breakfast, just pancakes and coffee. Andrei had to leave soon since he had a game in a few hours. He told Malaysia one of his teammate’s girlfriends (Janae) would pick her up later so she wouldn’t have to go to the game alone.

Before he left, he kissed her and said he’d see her at the game.

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Harvestfest Break - Date Night

San Sequoia

We caught a movie and had an early dinner since Andrei plays in the Harvestfest game tomorrow. He wanted to be rested, so we kept the night simple.

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Harvestfest Break - Practice

San Sequoia Roots Training Facility

Meetings, weightlifting, practice, and recovery.

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Harvestfest Break - Wednesday Morning

Andrei's Condo - San Sequoia

Andrei was up before the sun. Before he left, he sat on the edge of the bed and kissed me goodbye, whispering he’d see me later.

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Harvestfest Break - Late Night

San Suquoia

By the time we got to San Sequoia, it was already late. Andrei grabbed our bags and we headed out.

The drive to his condo was quiet. City lights, empty streets, music low.

When we got inside, I dropped my bag and kicked off my shoes. We were both exhausted. Andrei has practice in the morning, so we didn’t stay up long.

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Harvestfest Break - Heading Out

Willow Creek to San Sequoia

After dinner, I grabbed my things and went around the house saying goodbye to all my siblings.

In the foyer, Daddy was waiting with Benjamin. That part is always the hardest. I kissed my baby’s cheek and joked with him until he smiled. We did our little pinky promise. He promised to be good while I was gone. I promised to call every day.

The drive to the airport was mostly Daddy talking, reminding me to stay focused and telling Andrei to look out for me. I just said “mhm” to everything while watching the streetlights go by. Andrei held my hand the whole time.

At the airport, everything moved fast. Check‑in, security, finding our gate. Before I knew it, we were landing in San Sequoia.

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Harvestfest Break - Dinnertime

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

Trinity called us downstairs once everything was ready. The dining room was decorated and the food spread across the table. She tried to play it off like it was “just a little dinner,” but she’d clearly put her whole heart into it. I just feel a little guilty that she's going to have to do this all over again in a few days.

Daddy was already fixing plates for the kids, telling them not to touch anything hot. Andrei stepped in to help without being asked, passing dishes down the line.

We all sat around the table, talking and laughing while Trinity finally took a breath and sat down too. It wasn’t the real Harvestfest, but it felt close.

I kept catching Andrei looking at me across the table, smiling like he was happy to be here… happy to be part of this. And honestly, I was too.

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Harvestfest Break - Evening

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

By the evening, the kitchen looked like a typical holiday morning. Trinity was putting together a small Harvestfest meal since I won’t be here for the real thing. She kept checking the time, hoping to have everything done before our flight tonight.

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Harvestfest Break - Morning

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

This morning I walked into the family room and found my daddy and Andrei nodding their heads to some old Sal Steen song. I knew they liked the same music but seeing them actually vibing together like that still made me smile.

Daddy was telling him stories about concerts he went to when he was younger. Andrei was right there naming artists, songs, and whole albums like he grew up in the same era. He even played his guitar along to the music.

I just stood there watching them go back and forth, laughing and talking like they were old friends. It was nice… seeing them click like that.

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Harvestfest Break - Surprise

Malachi and Trinity's Home

After dinner, I was in the family room with my daddy and the kids, watching a movie. Trinity was in her office right off the family room, working but still chiming in whenever something funny happened.

Then the doorbell rang.

Daddy got up to answer it. I didn’t even look away from the TV. I wasn’t expecting anybody, and definitely not who it ended up being.

A minute later, he called out, “Malaysia, come here for a second.”

I got up, thinking it was probably one of my cousins. But when I walked into the foyer…It was Andrei standing there smiling. He knew he’d caught me off guard. I wasn’t supposed to see him until Wednesday.

Andrei: Hey babe.

I didn’t say anything. I just hugged him. He held me tight, then leaned down and kissed me.

Daddy cleared his throat, trying not to smile with a serious face.

Malachi: Come on in, man. Join us.

Andrei set his bag down and followed us back into the family room. The kids lit up when they saw him, and Trinity peeked out of her office with a smile.