It was already dark when Jethru and Lara arrived at the Mendel's estate. When Sandoz and the twins, Ivan and Ivy, heard the horses neighing, they eagerly ran to the gate to welcome their grandfather and sister Lara.
"Grandpa, Sister, why were you gone for so long?" Ivy pouted, her doe-like eyes misted, and Jethru's heart melted.
He lifted her and twirled her around. The experience of being eagerly welcomed at the door was a new one for him, and his heart warmed.
"Grandpa, please set me down! I'm not a kid anymore; I am a big girl." Ivy exclaimed, trying to sound serious, but her laughter bubbled over, echoing through the narrow alley, warming the early evening chill. She wiggled playfully in her grandfather's strong arms, squirming a bit as she added, "I think I've gotten too heavy for you to carry!"
"Whose heavy? You are still my little girl." Jethru lifted her higher, and a shrill scream came out of Ivy.
