–Alyssa–
It was already late, yet a warm dinner waited on the long table.
I watched my sister-in-law move gracefully, placing a divided plate in front of Sky on his wooden high chair. She adjusted his napkin, cut his food into small pieces, made sure his water was within reach. He had been eating a lot lately. He was heavy when I carried him—but not fat. Just taller. Healthier. Growing the way children were supposed to.
Too much energy. Too much life.
"How's school, Aly? Lore?" Livana asked after sitting down, only when she was sure her son and her husband were settled.
A perfect couple in a house that reeked of guns, blood, and secrets.
I exhaled slowly.
"I guess it's tiring?" she added gently.
"No. It's fine," I replied. Then I glanced at Lore. "What's tiring is him making me take notes in every subject."
"Oh." Livana laughed softly. "You don't have to do that if it isn't yours. He already knows everything. College is just… for fun. He only needs the certificate."
