Michael (6)

With each deliberate push of the pedal, the man propelled his bicycle at a leisurely pace along the winding road, allowing himself to fully absorb the breathtaking panorama that unfolded before him.

The vast expanse of verdant grassland stretched out like an emerald tapestry, its vibrant hues accentuated by the golden rays of the early morning sun.

Perched atop the handlebars, a woven basket cradled his feline companion, who lay nestled within its cozy confines. The gentle breeze playfully tousled the cat's fur, eliciting a contented purr as it basked in the warmth of the sun's embrace.

The first light of dawn had already given way to the day, casting a soft, ethereal glow upon the landscape. As the sun continued its ascent, its rays pierced through the lingering wisps of morning mist, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.

In the distance, a handful of early risers appeared on the horizon, their silhouettes gradually taking form as they jogged along the path.

As the man and his feline companion drew nearer, they exchanged cordial nods and smiles with the joggers, each party momentarily united by their shared appreciation for the serene beauty of the morning.

The man continued to pedal, his heart swelling with gratitude for the simple yet profound pleasure of being immersed in nature's splendor, accompanied by his loyal feline friend.

"Are you enjoying the view, Grey?" Michael inquired, his voice laced with affection. His feline companion gazed intently at the picturesque scene before them, emitting a soft, rhythmic purr.

A warm smile spread across Michael's face. "I'm truly fortunate to have you, Grey. You appreciate the beauty of nature just as much as I do."

After a minute of leisurely pedaling, Michael came to a halt at a nearby corner. Carefully, he set the kickstand on his bike and approached Grey. As he tenderly stroked the cat's head, Grey's purring grew even more contented.

Retrieving his cellphone, Michael meticulously documented the enchanting scene before him, capturing a collection of photographs that showcased both his treasured bicycle and his endearing, fluffy companion.

Passersby couldn't help but be captivated by Grey's luxurious fur, which seemed to possess a magnetic charm.

Immersed in the moment, Michael expertly framed a series of selfies, each one highlighting the unique bond he shared with his cherished feline confidant.

A woman approached with a hesitant gait, her voice wavering as she inquired, "Excuse me, are you Michael Vasquez?"

Michael's gaze fell upon the petite woman adorned with spectacles, accompanied by a taller woman with cascading locks of hair.

"Yes, that's me. How may I assist you, miss?" Michael responded, his voice warm and genuine, accompanied by a subtle, friendly smile.

The bespectacled woman's cheeks flushed with a tinge of shyness as she stammered, "Could we, um, take a photo with you?"

Michael studied her for a brief moment before acquiescing, "Of course."

He gently cradled Grey, his feline companion, in his arm as they posed for the photograph. The woman with the flowing tresses also joined in, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Once the snapshot was captured, she glanced at Grey and then back at Michael, who, sensing her unspoken desire, gestured for her to pet the cat. As the woman with long hair tenderly stroked Grey's fur, the woman with glasses expressed her gratitude, "Thank you so much."

Michael's smile grew warmer, his eyes radiating kindness. "You're most welcome," he replied, watching the women saunter away, their voices bubbling with giddy chatter.

Turning to his feline companion, Michael remarked, "You're quite the celebrity, Grey." The cat gazed back at him, purring softly, "Meow~…"

Michael gently lifted his beloved cat, cradling it in his arms before carefully placing it into the intricately woven basket that adorned the handlebars of his bicycle.

With a tender smile, he ensured his feline companion was secure and comfortable for the journey ahead. As they embarked on their leisurely ride back home, the golden rays of the warm sun bathed them in a soft, radiant glow.

***

Upon returning home, Michael pressed the doorbell and gently pushed open the door, allowing his feline companion to slip inside.

In the living room, Michael's mother was deeply engrossed in her cellphone, her fingers tapping away at the screen.

As he approached, she looked up and their eyes met. Michael reached out, took her hand, and gently pressed the back of her palm to his forehead in a gesture of respect.

"Ah, you're back, Michael. You can join Ashley at the table for breakfast," his mother said, her attention quickly returning to the captivating screen of her phone.

Intrigued by her absorption, Michael couldn't help but peek at the device. His expression turned deadpan as he discovered the source of her fascination: she was engrossed in a game of Kendi Crush.

Michael strode toward the mahogany table, where an array of delectable dishes lay sheltered beneath a charming umbrella style cover. The tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air.

In the distance, he noticed a kettle perched on the stove, its shrill whistle announcing that the water had reached a rolling boil. With a swift, practiced motion, Michael turned off the heat, silencing the kettle's urgent call.

He then selected a pristine porcelain plate and gracefully settled into a plush, cushioned chair at the elegantly set table. As he began to serve himself a sumptuous breakfast feast.

Descending gracefully from the second floor, the woman effortlessly balanced her cellphone, capturing her own image as she moved. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spotted the man in the distance. "You are here, brother," she called out, her voice lilting with anticipation as she approached him.

Michael glanced up at her, his cheeks full of food, and swallowed before asking, "What is that FlickFlow thing again?"

Ashley's enthusiasm was palpable as she paused her recording and slipped the phone into her pocket. "Hey, brother, there's a new dance step trending. Let's give it a try," she suggested, her eyes alight with excitement.

Michael hesitated, his gaze drifting back to his meal. "Could we perhaps enjoy our meal first?"

Ashley offered a subtle nod, her smile never wavering. "Then it's a deal," she agreed, her laughter like music as she moved towards the kettle to prepare herself a cup of coffee.

Michael watched her, bemused, knowing he hadn't actually agreed to anything. But he decided to let it go, focusing instead on savoring the delicious flavors of his meal.

Ashley spoke as she gently stirred her coffee, "You've become quite the popular figure, brother, ever since you made that game changing shot against Sa Della University."

She gracefully picked up a plate and joined him at the table, continuing, "The video has gone viral on FlickFlow, MyuTube, and UniVerse, and it's even been featured on television news."

Michael nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders and said, "I just got lucky," as he resumed savoring his meal.

Ashley's eyebrow arched involuntarily, betraying her exasperation. She sighed, well aware of her brother's unwavering dedication, the countless hours he had spent honing his perfection skills. Nevertheless, at times, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming urge to smacked his head for his excessive humility.

Michael turned to speak, "Sister Chuck—" He halted mid sentence, stifling a cough as her piercing gaze bore into him. "Sister Ashley, why is Mother so engrossed in her cellphone?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Ashley raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with surprise. "You don't know?" Michael shook his head, prompting Ashley to lean in and whisper conspiratorially, "She's currently participating in a tournament."

Michael's eyes widened in bewilderment, prompting Ashley to elaborate. "You're not aware of our mother's level in Kendi Crush, are you?"

Furrowing his brow, Michael shook his head as he took a bite of his meal.

Ashley revealed, "She's surpassed 12,000 levels."

The news caught Michael off guard, causing him to choke on his food. He hastily grabbed a glass of water, gulping it down to clear his throat. Ashley watched, a satisfied grin playing on her lips as she observed his reaction.

Regaining his composure, Michael managed to utter, "That's truly impressive."

"I know, right?" Ashley agreed, her eyes sparkling with pride. She then resumed eating, and the siblings engaged in lighthearted conversation, discussing various inconsequential topics.

Ashley's laughter filled the air as Michael continued to devour his meal, their bond evident in the warmth of their shared amusement.