Feelings of Guilt

"Mom, they..." Leonard Yuan finally snapped out of it, his face all scrunched up in worry as he looked at Mrs. Charlotte Evans.

Mrs. Charlotte Evans burst out laughing, reached over to ruffle Leonard's hair, and teased, "What's wrong with being a girl, huh? Look at your Sister Lily—she's a woman, and tell me, how many men can outshine her? Leonard, that old-fashioned thinking of yours really needs a tune-up!"

Leonard Yuan scratched his head, embarrassed. "You're right. Sister Lily is incredible—proves women can do anything. That little girl earlier, what was her name? She really put me in my place. Turns out I've been pretty narrow-minded, huh."

Everyone glanced up to see Cecilia briskly directing her friends, hauling luggage and organizing everyone in the cabin—she had the poise of someone born to lead. Leonard watched, feeling a bit ashamed. He thought, I'm not even as capable as that little girl. All I'm doing is going home to Southland for an exam, and I still need Mom to come with me.

Just think about it—Cecilia's younger than me, but she's gutsy enough to study overseas where she can't even speak the language, and she's still got everything running like clockwork, looking after her friends.

The more Leonard thought about it, the more he felt downright embarrassed.

"Her name's Cecilia. Your brother-in-law rescued her and some other kids during the disaster relief in the mountains. Cecilia and those children—they're all orphans, and I took them in," Sister Lily said with a sigh. "They're all tough, sensible, and hardworking. Only the best got picked to study overseas. Cecilia was number one—she's really something."

Leonard hung his head, ashamed. "Sister Lily, the more I think about it, the more clueless I feel. I need to go apologize to Cecilia!"

Before Leonard could dash off to the boat, Mrs. Charlotte Evans grabbed him by the collar, laughing, "Alright, alright, Leonard—let them finish tidying up the cabin first. Don't go adding to the chaos! We're all getting on the same boat with Cecilia and her friends soon, and the trip to Southland will take at least half a month. You'll have plenty of time to apologize, so don't be in such a hurry!"

Leonard listened to his mother and nodded obediently, staying put.

Aunt Charlotte Evans came over, patting Leonard on the shoulder with a grin. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Leonard. You Yuan men are all good eggs, just a little slow on the uptake sometimes. But you always come around."

Leonard blushed, muttering, "Aunt Charlotte, you’re teasing me again."

Mrs. Charlotte Evans chimed in, "That’s right! My Leonard may be a bit slow, but he’s got a kind heart. He’s just like his father—always thinking of others, never out to win every argument. That’s what makes him special."

Aunt Charlotte Evans laughed, "If only all men could be as decent as Leonard, the world would be a much better place. But let’s be real, it’s the women who keep things running!"

Mrs. Charlotte Evans winked at Leonard. "See, Leonard? You’re surrounded by strong women. You’d better learn to keep up!"

Leonard grinned sheepishly. "Guess I’ll have to study extra hard, or I’ll get left in the dust."

Cecilia, overhearing the conversation, popped her head in and called out, "Leonard, if you want to catch up, you’d better start now!"

Everyone burst into laughter, the cabin filled with warmth and cheerful noise as the boat prepared to set sail for Southland.