GAVIN
For a while, it’s like this—conversation flowing easily, food passed without hesitation, Parker brushing her hand across mine whenever she reaches for another dumpling. Phil stays quiet, but I watch him watch her. Watch us.
I see it happen gradually. His eyes track the way Jack talks to Lyra like she’s already the smartest person in the room. And to be sure, she clearly is. I suspect Levi could give her a run for her money, but he’s too quiet to prove it. The way Harrison leans down to help Levi tie his shoelace when he comes back from the hallway, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. The way Parker keeps touching all three of us without even realizing—casual, unguarded, like she knows we’re hers.
Phil isn’t smiling. But he isn’t scowling either. That’s progress.
By the
