A DANGEROUS AFFECTION

en today and parked it far from the house. The man stepped out with

holding a bar of purple chocolat

nd often helping me clean the house," Rocky said with a happy

d happily. "Th

a-aren't you afraid of

shook h

y n

e, never get angry at me, always

hat Alina had been mistreated all along. "Of

mily. It would be best if you weren't sad anymore

rrived, rushing in wit

nna called o

you sleep." Jack handed her a giant teddy bear. He h

r with delight. "Thank you,

u're very dirty. And then hav

l nodded and s

expression. He then turned to Rocky and Jua

nned. "So, what now? Is

o sell household goods and the house. The townspeople informed her about Joanna, but she said she w

were tough guys, they still had hearts and affection

all. No other message, as if Joanna were just an object," Jack said with a h

ed tears over Jo

finished bathing and was playing with her new

, Un

happy liv

ut, still~ I am a stranger here. One day, Mom will co

her never comes?" Jack as

don't know, Uncle. If Mom doesn't

see you as my own child. How about this~ while waiting for

or a moment and then

my child!" Jack said,

with tears. "Then,

He couldn't hold them back. "Call

." The gi

er in school and changed her name to Joanna Friska. Jack wanted the painful mem

ther slowly faded. She didn't want to be sad because it would make her dad and uncles sad,

class, and she was overjoyed. She could make her dad and uncles p

ned the presents one by one. Her forehead furrowed when she didn't

called as she ra

aned and emptied it so he could relax in the afternoon. He saw Joanna ru

ter?" he asked

l from morning till night. Joanna didn't understand why her uncle had to study so late into t

. "Uncle~ why haven't y

n looked at Joanna, who appeared even

ddled with the hem of her dress. She felt uncomfortable

never given gifts like the other uncles. "I haven't st

ift when you start wo

to Joanna and held both of her arms. "Sorry,

ded in und

I'll take you cycling. There's a ri

me I didn't know about this before? L

oanna's bangs. The young man took the bicycle

took in the view. The fields were vast and fre

ght, or you might f

gift, Uncle." Joa

ood work in sc

Uncle. Until you

. "You always make me proud, Joan

, Un

ow. Your dad will be looking for you," Brando

ow, okay?" Joanna asked. She had bec

Uncle Juan or Uncle Rocky," Brando

looked up at B

s gaze. "I have to

dy w

his hard work, Brandon received a

Uncle?" Joanna

I might be gone

ve anyone t

d Uncle Rocky. I'll study and then work. After t

's gr

e. The evening air was pleasant, bal

-

all day. She smiled as she looked at the gifts and bouquet of roses on her desk, which the off

go home, eager to share her achievements with her father an

ann

lling was Morgan, her manager. Morgan, thirty-four years old, was the gr

ur promotion. I'm sorry I didn't say anything

. Thank you very much, sir." Joanna felt aw

" Morgan handed her a bo

it, sensing that

oanna needed

s a gift

given me gifts, sir," she said, p

e office; this is

ot and red. She hoped Morgan didn't notic

heading h

e of her colleagues had already left

taking public transportation, I

brought my motorcycle, sir

Be careful on the road, Joanna. I hope you li

sness about receiving such a gift. She wondered what it might be. Joanna pla

the house unusually quiet. She hur

r promotion!!" The loud

d a large banner had been put up. Joanna sto

arranged this. She had only informed t

ced in front of Joanna. So did Levi, Juan, and Rocky. J

y achievement she had was always celebrated by them, who a

ou!" Rocky held Jo

e you, Uncle. You've al

ared your favorite

with emotion. Even though they were advancing

started, they prayed together, giving thanks

ed around. "

oanna, their movemen

evi asked. "Is somethin

head. "It's not t

looks. They were all there;

everyone is h

e Bra

ver, they couldn't provide a

ed my graduation, and hasn't appeared since then." Joanna had long

Brandon is doing well. He'

me home and see me? Doesn't he

u miss

d sadly. "I miss him. I don't e

he's handsome and not as

e Uncles must have met hi

e fell

d meet him,"

is?" Joanna was entirely su

plain further, but Joanna kept asking. He couldn't blame her; it was unusual for someone not to r

ment, having just learned t

rry. He said he would come back soon,

rig

would come back

n, D

idn't know for sure. "As

looke

hould celebrate," Juan said,

as well. Reluctantly, Joanna lifted her gla

your house?" Levi opened a n

iately. "It's going well. I can't

ere. We'll stay here until the end of ou

chievements because of you and Dad. You are the most valuable treasures to me. So, we sh

his spoon and hugged Joanna. "Seeing you happy is our happiness, Joa

men I love,"

hey learned she lived with a group of tough guys. Her father was the leader of a group known for roughing up those who didn't pay their debts. Even though they had switched to b