The car rolled to a gentle stop at the front gate. Cole stepped out and <b>opened </b><b>the </b>door for Alessia.
In the garden, York was enthusiastically showing Ivan what tricks Rex could do. The scene was surprisingly harmonious, with Eddie sitting on a stone bench nearby, quietly watching the two boys and the dog y together.
At the sound of the car, all three turned, Rex’s ears perking up. York, ever the sharp–eyed one, was the first to spot Alessia.
“Alessia!” York dashed over, Ivan and Rex hurrying after him. Eddie called after them, telling them not to run so fast, but of course, nobody paid him any mind.
By the time Eddie finally caught up, he paused for a moment, surprised to see Cole. He gave Cole a brief nod–a simple greeting. Cole returned the gesture, but subtly stepped closer to Alessia, protective and possessive in a way that didn’t go
unnoticed.
Eddie’s gaze lingered on the jacket Alessia had draped over her shoulders. He forced a smile, looking away to hide his feelings.
“Have you guys eaten?” Alessia asked, her attention firmly on the boys. She reached out, resting a hand on each of their heads–making sure not to leave anyone out.
“We have!” York answered brightly, while Ivan nodded silently.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to pick you up. I hope you didn’t give Eddie too much trouble?” Alessia’s tone was warm, never condescending–always ready to apologize, or to praise, as needed.
“Of course not!” York piped up, quick to seize the moment. “But to make up for it–and as a reward–how about you take us to the amusement park next time?” Leave it to a Tate child to know how to negotiate.
“The amusement park?” Alessia blinked, a little surprised.
York’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. It wasn’t as if he’d never been before; in fact, he’d gone twice. The first time, he’d snuck out and mingled with crowds of kids his own age, but watching other children with their parents had left him feeling strangely empty. The second time, they’d rented out the entire park for him–but wandering around alone, the fun had faded quickly, and he ended up leaving within the hour.
Alessia nodded thoughtfully, then turned to Ivan. “What about you? Would you like
<b>1/2 </b>
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<b>to </b><b>go</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>
Ivan fidgeted with his hands and nodded shyly. Unlike York, who’d at least <b>tasted </b>what it was like to be alone in a crowd, Ivan had never set foot in an amusement park–never had the chance.
“Alright, but I want you to promise me something in return.” Alessia crouched down to their level.
“What is it?” Ivan’s voice was hesitant, a flicker of anxiety on his face.
“How about starting school? Together with York.”
At the mention of his name, York pulled Ivan’s sleeve, making sure Ivan looked at him. York thumped his chest with confidence. “Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you. Nobody will dare mess with you as long as I’m around!”
Ivan’s eyes flickered with uncertainty; his lips parted, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to say ‘okay.’
York puffed out his cheeks and sighed, exasperated in the way only a friend could <ol><li>be. </li></ol>
Alessia didn’t push. She ruffled Ivan’s hair and stood up. Ivan tugged nervously at her shirt, as though afraid she might be upset.
“I’m not mad, don’t worry,” she reassured him gently, smoothing his hair as she nced at Eddie.
“Thank you for today,” she said sincerely.
“Do we really need to be so formal?” Eddie teased, trying to keep things light.
Alessia smiled, but didn’t press the point. “It’s gettingte. We should head out.”
Eddie nodded, watching as the group–four people and a dog–made their way out.
Back inside, Eddie gathered the picture books, stacking them neatly, then went to the studio to carefully store away Ivan’s drawings.
With everything in order, he made himself a cup of tea and sat in the garden, lost in thought.
Under the re of the porch lights, the night garden looked almost eerie. The hum of cicadas drifted in the air. Eddie took a sip of his tea and let out a long, quiet sigh.