The sound of childrenughing and ying outside drifted in through the window, prompting Xander topose himself and nod repeatedly.


    “Alright, alright! Six and I made some sachets to help everyone sleep better and feel less tired. Hang them by your family’s beds when you get home.”


    Xander’s sachets were nothing like anyone else’s. They carried no sharp, artificial scent, nor were they stuffed with leftover scraps. He used only the finest herbs, so the fragrance lingered longer and the effects were much better.


    In years past, he’d only ever made them for his own family–this was the first time he’d offered them to anyone else.


    He patted Alessia’s hand, his voice full of affection for the younger generation.


    “It’s cold out here. Let’s go inside.”


    “Of course.” Alessia nodded, gently supporting Xander as they headed indoors.


    “Oh, I also made something to help Zachary with his energy. Funny, I haven’t seen him around.”


    “He said he’lle visit you tomorrow.”


    “That boy–always so considerate.” Xander immediately understood what Zachary was thinking.


    Just as everyone was getting ready to sit down for dinner, the door creaked open and someone stepped inside.


    “Mr. Dawson.” The familiar voice echoed through the small courtyard, startling everyone. After a moment’s hesitation, Cole went to see who it was.


    He returned a momentter, followed by a man wearing gold–rimmed sses.


    “Eddie?” Xander rose to his feet, a note of disbelief in his voice.


    “Mr. Dawson, it’s been so long–did you forget about me?”


    “You rascal! You’ve got some nerve, saying it’s been so long. I was starting to think you’d forgotten all about this old man–never even stopped by once in all these years.”


    Xander hurried over, looking Eddie up and down with concern, as if to see whether the years had worn him down or if he’d had a hard time away from home.


    <b>12:38 </b>


    “Lessie, who’s that?” Six whispered.


    “That’s Eddie. He lived here for a while before you came.”


    “So why’d he leave?”


    “His family found him and took him home.”


    Six nodded, still a little confused but not pressing further.


    “Six, could you grab another set of tes and silverware?”


    “On it.” Six jumped up and hurried off.


    “Have you eaten? Even if you have, sit down and eat some more. Where have you been all these years? You only call every few weeks, and even aftering back to the States for months, you still didn’te see me…‘


    Xander ushered Eddie to the table, and Six soon brought over the extra ce setting.


    “I was stuck overseas for a while, and after I got back, there was too much to sort out. I kept having to fly back to handle paperwork. The moment I got a break, I came right over–and just in time for dinner, too.”


    “Did youe straight from a family dinner?” Alessia asked, noticing his rolled–up suit sleeves.


    Eddie nodded, his expression gentle now, nothing like the reserved man he’d been at the party.


    “I couldn’t really eat much–too noisy, too many people. I found an excuse to slip out early. When I saw I still had time, I thought I’de wish Mr. Dawson a happy New Year. Didn’t expect to find you all here.”


    Cole shot Eddie a quick grin, which was met with a warm smile. Six gave him a sidelong nce, but stayed quiet, focusing on her own dinner.


    “Those family gatherings–let’s be honest, they’re just business meetings in disguise. I barely ate a thing, downed a bottle of wine, and snuck out. It’s better this way; young people shouldn’t drink too much, you know. Cole, you hear me?”


    “Yes, sir, I hear you,” <i>Cole </i>replied, surprised to find himself in the crosshairs. Even the bite of food he was about to offer Alessia paused in midair as he sighed and nodded.


    “Lessie, keep an eye on him for me.”


    12:38


    “Will do.” Neither Cole nor Alessia seemed the least bit bothered by Xander’s fussing. They answered him patiently, with genuine warmth.


    Dinner passed in good spirits. Before they knew it, it was time for Xander to turn in for the night. The others reminded Six to look after him, then tidied up and left the


    clinic.


    The three of them walked together down the quiet alley, Alessia in the middle, her hand wrapped in Cole’s, the two of them close, with a little distance left between


    themselves and Eddie.