The morning was crisp, with sunlight spilling through the blinds in soft, golden rectangles across the kitchen floor. Noah sat at the table, a careful frown on his small face as he lined up his colored pencils by shade. Even the smallest disruptions—the uneven light across the table, the occasional shadow from passing clouds—might have unsettled him weeks ago. But now, there was focus in his movement, a quiet concentration that reflected the weeks of intentional guidance and stability Ethan and she had built together.
Ethan leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee and watching. “Morning, buddy,” he said softly.
“Morning, Daddy,” Noah replied, eyes not leaving the pencils.
“You look thoughtful today,” Ethan said, smiling.
Noah paused. “I’m worried… about school.”
Ethan crouched b
