NO STRINGS ATTACHED

The electronic door hummed from the porch, followed by the sound of thick footsteps of loafers, thudding against the marble floor. It was Reynaldo. Mr. Davies had invited him over for dinner, but he had arrived earlier than expected.

"Rey, is that you?" His mum's voice echoed warmly from the top floor.

"Hey, Mum!" Reynaldo responded, tilting his head to see his mum's figure descending the stairs.

"Come on in, son." She smiled, heading towards the large brown dining table. He joined her, following suit. They were seated when the cook began serving dinner, neatly arranged for a table of four. Sabrina soon joined them, coming

down the stairs.

"Good evening, family." She said.

"Good evening, Sabrina. How are you doing today?" Her mum asked.

"I'm good, Mom. Hmm... dinner looks so yummy!" Sabrina exclaimed, breathing in the savory aroma.

"How have you been, bro?" She asked, looking at Reynaldo, whose eyes were fixed on the meal in front of him. Although Rey and Sabrina were siblings, two years apart, they rarely spoke. They spent most of their time apart, from high school

to college days, attending different schools.

"I'm good, Sis," Rey responded, digging into his appetizer.

They all ate silently and slowly, with just the sound of their cutlery clinking, breaking the silence until they were full.

Sabrina was the first to leave the dining table. She received a call about a package she had ordered yesterday.

"Okay, I'll be on my way! Yes... yes." She said this into the phone, pushing her seat back and signaling to her parents with one finger.

"I'll be right back!" She whispered before leaving.

Mrs. Davies was the next to leave.

"I have to go take a warm bath." She said, smiling. The comfort of her Jacuzzi was the one thing she looked forward to at the end of each day. She left, calling the cook to clear the dishes.

Soon enough, Rey realized he was left alone with his Dad at the table. His father was staring at him intensely, and he knew there had to be more to it. Rey dropped the phone into the pocket of his blue jeans and waited.

He knew there was something behind the dinner invitation, it was unusual.

"Reynaldo, son." He called.

"Yes, Mr. Davies," Rey responded.

"How have you been, son?"

"I have been well, Mr. Da..."

"I'd prefer Dad if you don't mind." Mr. Davies interrupted.

"Okay, Dad." Rey answered, with a hint of sarcasm.

Mr. Davies sighed and continued, "You know, I invited you over for a reason, of which I'm very much certain you do not care to know, but I will say it anyway. I'm turning sixty soon. I'm growing old and so are you. Time waits for