Day 25 (Bore) - @hollanovmicrofic - 577 words
“Ilya, it’s not that big of a deal,” Shane sighs, knocking on the door once more for good measure. He’s sure Hayden’s already heard him, but judging from the screaming going on inside the house, there clearly seems to be something else going on.
Ilya readjusts the pile of packages in his arms, making sure it’s steady before responding. “You are just saying that because he already likes you, Hollander!”
“He’s eight years old, Ilya, I’m sure he likes everyone.”
“But he never wants to play with me! Will be different this time, just watch.”
Before Shane can reply, the door is yanked open, revealing an exhausted looking Jackie holding a screeching Amber.
“Look baby,” she says in an effort to cajole the screaming menace, “it’s Uncle Shane and Uncle Ilya!” All that seems to accomplish though is getting the attention of the twins, who come barreling down the hall in search of presents.
Finally, once all the kids are settled and Hayden and Jackie are out the door, Ilya is set to begin his mission.
“Hi Arthur,” he says, crouching down next to the little boy, “I brought you something.”
He holds out the cardboard box, grinning as Arthur silently reaches out to grab it and begins prying it open. Inside is a remote control Porsche. Shane can’t help but roll his eyes at the obnoxious green exterior of the sports car. Ilya, however, doesn’t notice and is instead totally focused on Arthur’s reaction. Shane can literally see how he’s holding his breath, waiting for a response.
He gets it in the form of a shy, “Thank you, Uncle Ilya.”
“It’s no problem, should we put batteries in it?” Ilya says eagerly, already getting up to search for them. Amber chases at his heels in excitement, wanting a chance to try out the car herself.
Meanwhile, Shane watches as Arthur meanders back over to his side, picking up one of the blocks they were playing with earlier and resuming construction of their tower.
“Something the matter, Arthur?” Shane asks, reaching for the next block in the color sequence and handing it to him.
Arthur chews on his lip for a second, gathering the words before responding, “I like Uncle Ilya a lot, and it’s nice of him to bring presents.” Shane cracks a smile at the seriousness in the little boy’s voice. “But the games he wants to play are always kinda boring. I think I like playing with you more, Uncle Shane.”
Shane can’t help but burst out into laughter. He wonders if this is Ilya’s karma for years of calling him boring. However, the look of bewilderment on Arthur’s face is enough to calm him down.
“It’s ok to not find cars and stuff interesting,” Shane reassures the little boy, “I like playing with you a lot too.”
Arthur just nods sagely at this. His straight face quickly morphs into a toothy grin as he watches Amber toddle back into the room, chasing the now-alive remote control car.
“Did you still want to play with Uncle Ilya and Amber for a bit?”
Arthur nods, “Just a bit so I don’t hurt his feelings. But can you make sure no one messes with the blocks?”
“I’ll guard them with my life.”
Shane watches as Arthur makes his way over to the others, giggling as Ilya maneuvers the car to chase him and Amber around the living room. Maybe Uncle Ilya has finally won this round.
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