Night had fallen over the city as lights started to twinkle on. Looking inside the households kids could be seen playing with their food as they ate.while husbands and wives spoke of their day.

On the street walking while surrounded by the sounds of the city was a teen that had hair filled with dreads. He could only smile as he heard the interaction from the people around.

" I'm going to miss this city...aren't I..."

He thought in his mind as a feeling of attachment overwhelmed him. Soon he saw the back of the restaurant where he made his way towards.

" Sigh..."

He couldn't help but sigh when he thought of how things would change.

" Could I perhaps freeze time for a while? Is that too much to ask?"

" Make the minutes into days and days into years. How I've longed to leave this city that smell seems to be the bane of this nose of mine"

" Yet as I see myself leaving, it is this nauseating smell that this nose suddenly calls freshness"

" Sigh... but time waits for no man and guess I'm no exception either"

He then pushed the door open

" Surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!"

As he entered he was greeted by yells of surprise. His eyes saw a few faces with excitement all on show. This was true happiness, one bred from sheer love for the other.

There he saw Little Sue with a big belly protruding before her with a small girl holding her arm. A man of average built had his arms around her as they all smiled.

Old man Ming had a big grin on his face as he viewed the youth before him. He still had the proud look on his face that he wore from that very morning as he gazed. It was true after all, he viewed him with importance no matter what had a occurred.

To his side, he saw Mrs Ming with tears falling from her eyes. Though he was always closer to old man Ming she treated this boy as if he were her own.

Seeing this the ever indomitable Mouse had tears in his eyes. Who knew that a Mouse could cry.

He was no anomaly, abomination an oddity to be feared when he looked in their eyes. All that could be seen was Taf. His sense of belonging was firmer than it ever was when he was here. This really was his oasis through the wretched storm.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

This is true love that all seek but few tend to find it. A bond that was forged over the years with laughter, caring and sharing.

" I guess the perfect word to describe it would be.....Family"

....

" Kiddo when did you become so emotionally huh...."

" This old man was just bragging about how I taught you everything you knew and how you are a replica of me in my youth"

" Claiming how ruthless you are, only to see you all teary eyes"

Old Man Ming chimed in which brought Taf outside of his dazed state.

" Eh em..."

" That, however, I didn't teach him....whoever did come forth and take your claim."

They couldn't help but laugh after hearing the shamefulness of Old Man Ming.

" Uuhmm who has been cutting those onions..."

" You know my allergies tends to act up when i get close to such things.

Taf berated as he was swift to wipe his suddenly falling tears.

" There were no onions little Taf"

Little sue couldn't help but burst into laughter after seeing his try to shrug it off.

" Must be the neighbours...."

He looked away while ensuring his eyes became dry.

" Sure..."

They all laughed as they eyed the youth with dreads.

" Kiddo we planned this thing from this morning to show our support no matter what."

" Who knew you would turn out to be a cultivator"

" About that... I've been thinking"

" We should become partners and enter this venture wholeheartedly"

" Using your fame and clout to make Ming's Spot the most heated place to go in the city.

Old Man Ming went into business as his eyes seemed to twinkle with dollar signs as he looked at Taf.

" How does this sound?"

" Come to Ming's Spot where we make the impossible possible"

" Don't believe us?"

" Then take it from a cultivator born and bred in this city. He is not just any cultivator, he is also the Mouse"

" Come and eat what the Mouse ate and find yourself flying through the skies in the future"

Taf could only laugh as Mr Ming continued. These were the moments he truly treasured.

" Kiddo we could open restaurants all over the city. Think of the fortune that will be gained from using your clout. We will be damn rich"

He grinned as the thoughts of their partnerships blossomed in his mind.

" Will you leave the boy be, you greedy old man"

Mrs Ming intervened before making sure to berate Old man Ming. To the side, old man Ming winked and gestured they would talk later.

A quick nod was giving by Taf as Mrs Ming looked away.

...

" Look at you being all grown little Taf"

" Becoming some great cultivator...."

Little Sue made her way over and touched his face.

" Remember to always eat healthily and try to stay out of trouble"

" Then again look who I'm talking to"

She had a serious tone as she acted as a big sis should.

" Be careful out there and remember this. If there ever is a time that the world has lost its warmth. We are here to provide the wood for the fire to ignites its lost heat. This is your home and will always"

Tears trickled down her face as she saw the youth that was so tiny from years back become so grown and experienced.

" We are family...."

" That means we are one."

" Though we might not be able to share your burdens. Our hearts will act as the foundation that you can use to overcome anything if only a bit of strength is needed....."

She got so emotional as Taf hugged her to offer comfort.

" We are one....that will always be in my heart. You are my big sis and little sis all together"

" Let me not remember the last thing I recall before I return to be your tear-filled eyes"

" Show your brother that smile which gave you that husband of yours"

She could only laugh after his words were spoken then a big smile was formed.

" There she is...My big sis little Sue".