After dinner, Klaus excused himself with a soft smile, saying he had some things to finish in his office. I knew he was giving me space—time to be with my family without feeling like I had to divide my attention. He was thoughtful like that.
I sat on the couch with my mom and dad, Orion lounging across from us in one of the armchairs, looking strangely relaxed. The warm lighting of the living room made everything feel cozy, almost dreamlike. It had been so long since we were together like this—just a family, talking, laughing, breathing in the same air without tension or worry clouding the moment.
And yet… something about Orion felt different tonight.
I watched him as we talked, noticing the way he leaned back in his chair with an ease I hadn’t seen in years. His usual sarcasm and snark
