2050

"Did I just hear you calling?" says Carl, appearing in the kitchen doorway. And now Erik appears uncertain and a bit vulnerable as he stammers at Carl,  "Oh... I didn't mean...I hope..." And Carl, grinning broadly, approaches my brother-in-law, roughly rubs his wavy chestnut hair, and says to me, "Your brother-in-law really knows how to find his way into a Dutchman's heart", then gives him a short gentle hug from behind, and slides onto the chair next to him. "Wanna help us get the coffee and cookies out to the living room", say I. "Cookies?  Well, if it's all too heavy for you guys to carry unaided...Or, the other three can get their lazy butts in here and we'll have it in the kitchen." There is something in both their relaxed posture that suggests that Carl and Erik are now really beginning to accept each other.  In fact, Erik's sidelong glance at Carl also suggests that he might be a little bit attracted to him, and Carl doesn't really appear to notice or even care.  This is going to be one very interesting little household...