"Let's play another game. I'll definitely do better this time."
The old woman sounded absolutely certain.
"Your mind's all muddled from playing chess."
"You weren't as good as him to begin with, and now you can't think straight. How are you supposed to beat him?"
"Go outside and clear your head..."
The old man was almost convinced.
That... does sound reasonable.
"Let's go."
The old woman tugged at the old man.
"Hey."
The old man got to his feet a little unsteadily. "Slow down."
"Honestly, at our age..."
"And you're still so impatient..."
"Who told you to dawdle?"
The old woman rolled her eyes.
The old man: ...
So it was his fault after all?
Xiao Xiao walked behind the two elders.
He smiled as he watched them bicker as usual.
"Wait."
Xiao Xiao called out to the two elders just as they were about to enter the courtyard.
"It's cold in the courtyard."
"You can watch from here, too."
Xiao Xiao suggested.
The old woman shook her head.
"I want to go into the courtyard."
The old man straightened up. "How could winter not be cold?"
"It's fine."
"Your grandpa's still in great shape."
Xiao Xiao smiled and nodded.
"That's right."
"You're both in very good health."
"Here, put on your coats."
Xiao Xiao handed the coats to the two elders.
"Ah."
The old woman paused as she was putting on her coat, remembering something.
"Xiao Xiao, see if your dad is free right now."
"If he is, ask him to come along."
"All right."
Xiao Xiao nodded.
Unfortunately, Father Xiao was busy.
"If your dad's busy, then never mind."
The old woman waved a hand dismissively.
It wasn't as if this was the last snowfall of the year.