Chapter 5: First Light
Julian began leaving the office at four once a week.
Not every day. He was not a man who burned structures down for a single emotional hour. But once a week he shut the phone off at the gate, walked through the door before dark, and followed the sound of music or laughter or argument to wherever the boys and Clara were.
Sometimes it was the rug. Sometimes the kitchen table with homework. Sometimes the back garden with a ball. He did not try to lead. He sat. He listened. He let Toby correct his counting and Leo show him the chord progression with the seriousness of a teacher.
The staff adjusted. The evening sitter’s hours shortened on those days. The laminated schedule acquired blank spaces that were not labeled as enrichment or therapy. The blanks were simply time.
One Thursday Leo said, “Are you staying for supper?”
“Yes.”
“Clara’s making rice and chicken.”
May you like
“Then I’m staying for rice and chicken.”
Toby grinned into his bongo. Clara kept her eyes on the pan and did not let the relief show in her face. Julian saw it anyway.
