As Mira walked into the darkened entrance hall of Thane's apartment, the latch shutting behind her with a hinge-like click on her own doubt. Eli ran ahead, backpack jouncing, eyes aglow with enthusiasm.
"Mom, I'm so excited to show Daddy my new pictures!" he announced, waving a crumpled drawing of stick-figure dragons and castles.
Thane appeared in the living room doorway, tousled from sleep in his shirt, hair rumpled in that impossibly sweet way he had. He gave Mira a hesitant smile warm, eager, but underwritten with something mysterious.
"Hey," she said, effortfully attempting to sound light. "Do you mind if Eli stays with me today after lunch? I thought we could do a mommy and son day out. Give Gregory the tour of our new life here."
Thane paused, jaw moving. He stared at Eli, alrea
