Ethan stared at the letter resting on the table.
Behind him, four heads leaned closer, their eyes fixed on the envelope as if it might explode at any moment.
"He isn't going to start another war, right?" Sophia asked, her voice filled with worry.
"I don't think so," Randall said after a moment of thought. "There might not be a war, but it could still be bad news for us."
"Knowing the feud," Noel added, "it might be something meant to provoke the Blanks."
Ethan paused and glanced at the group, watching them discuss one dark possibility after another.
"Guys," he said calmly.
They all looked at him.
"Just calm down."
He picked up the letter and gave a small smile.
"I am sure it is a birthday invitation."
"Birthday?" Everyone spoke at the same time.
"Yes," Ethan nodded. "That old man just turned one hundred a few days ago. He is probably preparing to celebrate it in full grandeur."
