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❧ The rumble of an oncoming car stirred Milo from his nap. He blinked open his eyes, squinting against the sunlight filtering into the bedroom.
His brother Elio was shuttling clothes from their shared room into the cramped adjacent storage area that had been hastily converted into a makeshift bedroom.
Though a weathered wooden door separated the two rooms, it did little to muffle noise with its myriad cracks and missing panels. The brothers also shared access to the same bathroom.
"Come on, aren't you getting up? " Elio called over to Milo as he organized piles of clothes. "Our guest will be here any minute."
Milo scowled, reluctant to leave the comfort of his bed. "I don't see why he has to stay in my room," he complained.
From her perch on the adjoining bed, their friend Mariza gave Milo a wry smile. "You better come down and say hello if you don't want to upset your mother, " she teased.
Elio crossed over to the window and peered outside. A vehicle trailing plumes of dust rolled up the driveway and parked in front of the villa's entrance.
"He's here! " Elio announced. At that, Milo reluctantly rose and shuffled over to squint out the window.
A tall young man emerged from the just-arrived car wearing a loose, bright blue shirt left casually unbuttoned at the collar. Shielding his eyes behind sunglasses, he gazed up calmly at the house.
Elio, Mariza, and a reluctant Milo descended the stairs to greet the new guest. At the bottom, Milo caught sight of Oliver being escorted to their father's study.
Annella noticed the trio on the stairs and waved them over. "Help bring Oliver's bags up to your room, " she instructed.
Milo and Elio nodded before poking their heads into their father's office. Oliver was seated on the couch, sipping a glass of water to cool himself after the long journey. Though travel-weary, he maintained an air of understated grace.
"Milo and Elio - meet Oliver. Oliver - my sons, Elio and Milo," their father introduced them.
Eager to make Oliver feel welcome, Elio stepped forward first to shake his hand. "Hello," he greeted.
"Hi," Oliver smiled slightly in return.
Milo shuffled up next to shake Oliver's hand as well.
"Make yourself at home, our house is your house," their father added warmly.
"Shall we bring your luggage up to the room?" Elio inquired.
Oliver nodded in acquiescence. "Yeah, sure."
The three headed upstairs, Elio grabbing Oliver's heavy suitcase while Milo took the backpack.
"So this is now your room - I've been moved next door," Milo explained with a tinge of annoyance.
