Chapter 61 (1/2)
After dinner in the evening, Anna received a request.
”Tell a story?”
Charlie looked up at Anna with his little head up. ”But we always need bedtime stories.”
”But you always tell me to treat you as adults.” Anna said deliberately.
Charlie and Andre looked at each other and held back their smiles.
Andrea looked at his aunt: ”except for this one.”
”It's not in line with the rules.” Anna said, then saw the blonde winking at him, glancing at Alexei.
Anna understood the confidence conveyed by the boys, and she was happy with their consideration.
She tilted her head and thought for a moment. To tell the truth, she did not tell a story to anyone else. This is not what she can do well. But she can always try.
”Anuska, warm up the fireplace.” Anna said, and anuska answered.
”Well, boys, go and get Alexei over and sit down where you like. I'll get you some hot milk
”I don't like this one.” Andre had a look of disgust.
”No milk, no story, boy.” Anna said solemnly, Andrea pursed her lips and finally compromised.
”Come on, little girl who doesn't like milk.” Charlie joked, then ran upstairs before being kicked in revenge.
”Don't make it to Alexis!” Anna called out from behind. The boys really stepped down, but they still pushed and played all the way.
Before long, the sofa by the fireplace was almost full.
Anna sat on the sofa on her right, and on the couch sat Andre, Charlie and Alexei in turn.
The boys are carrying hot milk, steaming milk has a warm sweet smell.
Anna watched them finish drinking, thought for a moment, and began to tell the story of a boy and a horse.
The archetype of the story is a little girl who suddenly knows that her family is bankrupt and finally is forced to move away from her good life, her friends, and move to the countryside. She needs to readjust, not only in life, but also in a mindset away from money and fashion. A horse let her understand the value of life and friends, that is money can not give.
The story is not long. It will be over in about twenty minutes.
”It's strange that there's no duel in it, and I'm not bored.” Charlie smacked his lips.
”In fact, I don't think it's realistic.” Andrea shook his head, and seemed to decide to comment on the story from the most rational point of view.
”If a young man with a good family background suddenly goes bankrupt, it is impossible that the girl will marry him again. She can't disobey her parents and her family, if they're going to stay in this circle. ”
Anna looked at Alexei. ”What do you think?”
”I think he's very brave,” he said with a smile in his pale gray eyes
”That's right.” Andrea agreed.
”I want a horse like that, too.” Charlie suddenly said, ”can we go riding tomorrow?” He seemed to have a sudden interest, and Andrea was aroused.
”And you? Alexei. ” Anna asked the blonde again, who gave a shy smile, ”if you can?”
Anna laughed. ”I'll ask Alexis later.” She pauses. ”But now, boys, it's time for you to go to bed.”
”But it's early.” Andre struggles.
”No, it's your time. You can be unrestrained occasionally, but you can't change your work and rest time. I didn't bring you here just to spoil you Anna said, and drove them back to the room.
The two little ones went upstairs unwillingly. Alexei stopped for a moment and then asked, ”can I read for a while and then go to sleep?”
He asked for her advice, and Anna felt very happy about it, which at least showed that Alexei was really open. If before, she did not doubt that he would not say anything, she would go to bed.
”Of course you can, but don't be too late, will you?”
”I will, aunt. Good night.” Alexei showed a smile, a little pale and a little red on his cheeks. People can't help but be nice to him.
”Good night, Alexei.”
After the children had gone, the only sound left in front of the fireplace in the living room was the sound of wood. Anna cleaned it up, then turned and walked to the second floor with her skirt in her hands.
She knocked on the door of the study before she went in.
Karenin frowned slightly, and looked up at his wife when she felt Anna coming in.
Anna knew he was busy, and there was obviously something wrong with him, because his brows were still frowning when he looked up at himself.
”That's all right. You'll be busy first, Alexis.” Anna said with a smile. She did not leave. She took a book and sat down on the sofa not far away. She looked very comfortable.”Call me in ten minutes, Anna.” Karenin softened his voice. Although the official business is a little boring, but obviously, his wife's considerate approach makes him have to do so.
”Be busy with you.” Anna responds with a smile.
Next, silence, only the light because of the wick, occasionally vibrated.
From time to time Anna would look up at Karenin's side, until she saw the slight wrinkles between her eyebrows slowly unfold.