The Richards Legacy

Andrei's Condo - San Sequoia

They woke up early. Nothing big for breakfast, just pancakes and coffee. Andrei had to leave soon since he had a game in a few hours. He told Malaysia one of his teammate’s girlfriends (Janae) would pick her up later so she wouldn’t have to go to the game alone.

San Sequoia

San Sequoia Roots Training Facility

Andrei's Condo - San Sequoia

San Suquoia

By the time we got to San Sequoia, it was already late. Andrei grabbed our bags and we headed out.

The drive to his condo was quiet. City lights, empty streets, music low.

Willow Creek to San Sequoia

After dinner, I grabbed my things and went around the house saying goodbye to all my siblings.

In the foyer, Daddy was waiting with Benjamin. That part is always the hardest. I kissed my baby’s cheek and joked with him until he smiled. We did our little pinky promise. He promised to be good while I was gone. I promised to call every day.

The drive to the airport was mostly Daddy talking, reminding me to stay focused and telling Andrei to look out for me. I just said “mhm” to everything while watching the streetlights go by. Andrei held my hand the whole time.

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

Trinity called us downstairs once everything was ready. The dining room was decorated and the food spread across the table. She tried to play it off like it was “just a little dinner,” but she’d clearly put her whole heart into it. I just feel a little guilty that she's going to have to do this all over again in a few days.

Daddy was already fixing plates for the kids, telling them not to touch anything hot. Andrei stepped in to help without being asked, passing dishes down the line.

We all sat around the table, talking and laughing while Trinity finally took a breath and sat down too. It wasn’t the real Harvestfest, but it felt close.

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

This morning I walked into the family room and found my daddy and Andrei nodding their heads to some old Sal Steen song. I knew they liked the same music but seeing them actually vibing together like that still made me smile.

Daddy was telling him stories about concerts he went to when he was younger. Andrei was right there naming artists, songs, and whole albums like he grew up in the same era. He even played his guitar along to the music.

Malachi and Trinity's Home

After dinner, I was in the family room with my daddy and the kids, watching a movie. Trinity was in her office right off the family room, working but still chiming in whenever something funny happened.

Then the doorbell rang.

Daddy got up to answer it. I didn’t even look away from the TV. I wasn’t expecting anybody, and definitely not who it ended up being.

A minute later, he called out, “Malaysia, come here for a second.”

I got up, thinking it was probably one of my cousins. But when I walked into the foyer…It was Andrei standing there smiling. He knew he’d caught me off guard. I wasn’t supposed to see him until Wednesday.

Andrei: Hey babe.

I didn’t say anything. I just hugged him. He held me tight, then leaned down and kissed me.

Daddy cleared his throat, trying not to smile with a serious face.

Malachi: Come on in, man. Join us.

Willow Creek

Today was one of those slow and easy days that felt good from start to finish. I went grocery shopping with Trin this morning, just the two of us walking the aisles. It felt nice spending time with her.

Later, I went to the park with my daddy and the kids. He was running around with them like he was trying to make up for every day he’d been gone.

Sunday Night – Crawdad Quarter, Willow Creek

Crawdad Quarter was chaotic tonight, but in the best way. We took pictures, danced with the street performers, and bar hopped.

Tonight reminded Malaysia of the old days; like sleepovers at her Aunt Nelly’s house, staying up late, and laughing all night. She didn’t drink anything, even though she was tempted. Just having fun with her cousins was enough to keep her distracted.

Sunday Afternoon – Pawpaw’s House

Malaysia pulled up to her pawpaw’s house. Benjamin was so excited. It felt like he was out of the car before it could stop. Jasper was waiting on the porch, smiling as they walked up.

Inside, they sat together in the living room. Benjamin talking nonstop and laughing as Jasper teased him about growing taller every time he saw him.

Malaysia listened while he talked about Grandma, about how the holidays will be different now, and about how family was holding each other together through it.

Sunday Morning - Two Sims Café - Willow Creek

Malaysia sat in the chair across from Jasmine and Joanne. She hadn't seen them since the funeral months ago, so she's looking forward to catching up with them.

They laughed over coffee, swapping stories about classes, professors, and campus life.

Jasmine: College boys are wild. And girls too. Malaysia: Juicy already, huh? You didn’t waste any time.

Joanne rolled her eyes, sipping her drink.

Joanne: Meanwhile, I didn’t even want to go. Now, I’m stuck in lectures I don’t care about. Malaysia: So, you’re surviving, not thriving? Joanne: Exactly. I’m passing, but it’s not me. I’d rather be on the road traveling, living that life.

Malachi’s Home - Willow Creek

Malachi’s Home - Willow Creek

Malachi and Trinity's Home - Willow Creek

The taxi pulled up to Malachi’s home, the smell of Trinity’s cooking already drifting out into the air. Malaysia stepped out with Benjamin, stretching after the long ride, while Malachi grabbed the bags and pushed open the front door.

Malachi: I’m home!

His voice carried through the house, but only a couple of the kids heard him right away. They came running into the foyer, excited and jumped into his arms. He bent down, hugging them tight, kissing them and laughing.

Then Trinity appeared at the end of the hall.

Malachi froze. They had never been apart for more than a few days. He hopped up fast, pulling her into his arms.