“What’s wrong, kiddo?” the old man asked gently. “Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?”
Ethan shook his head.
“Grandpa… please hide,” he said quietly. “I heard Mom and Dad talking. Dad said he’s going to put medicine in your soup tonight to make you sleep… and then they’ll take your money from the safe. They said… you might not wake up.”
For a moment, Mr. Harrison’s body went cold.
The words hit him like a storm. His own son… planning to harm him for money.
But instead of exploding with anger, he forced himself to stay calm.
He gently wiped the tears from Ethan’s face.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “Your grandpa still has a few tricks left. Tonight we’ll play a little game, alright? Just do exactly what I tell you.”
That evening, dinner was served like any other night.
Daniel placed a bowl of steaming soup in front of his father.
“Dad, you should eat,” he said. “Monica made this special soup to help you regain your strength.”
But his hands trembled slightly.
As Mr. Harrison lifted his spoon, Ethan suddenly knocked over his glass of water.
“Oh no!” the boy exclaimed.
Water splashed across the table.