Mickey and Mal simultaneously flinched, instinctively shifting into defensive postures that broke Daisy's heart with their practiced precision. These were boys who expected shouting to be followed by pain.
"Katie," Christian said quietly, frost patterns communicating his concern more eloquently than words. "Inside voice, remember? Our new friends are very tired."
The six-year-old light prodigy immediately modulated both her volume and energy, white radiance dimming to a gentle glow as she approached with exaggerated care. "Sorry," she stage-whispered. "I get excited about new people. Are you hungry? We have pancakes! Rosie made them with chocolate chips because it's Tuesday and Tuesdays are for chocolate, except for Ramil who gets blueberries because he says chocolate makes his brain itc
