ed marble floors. The house was eerily still, as if it was void of warmth, and the deeper they wa

ressing. He was still watching her,

she had to say something

me," she said, aiming f

ut turning. "

inked.

walls, floors, and ceilings." he said, as t

dn't call it a home.

et of double doors, revealing a spacious room fi

t about him. It was about Ethan. Lena had already seen g

hallway, Damien Le

A thick, plush rug sprawled across the floor, cushioning a small vintage wooden train set and an untouched puzzle. Against the large bay window sat a cushioned bench, and curle

hest tightened at

her wasn't like most typical five-year-olds. He wasn't playing, wasn't making a mess, wasn't filled

ut his face was softer, rounder-still clinging to childhood in a w

d, "this is Lena. She's going to be stayi

lo," Dam

ence st

mething stir

ber gaze-but because they held something else. A quietness that he alone understood. Like he had already learne

she said gent

ok away. He just stared at her, expression blank, like he was studying her as much as

keeping her voice light. "Max

, who stood a few feet behind her, ar

t talk muc

owned.

al

to Ethan. "He

ed. "He hasn't spoken to anyone

mach twist

a favorite boo

if the question had

now," he s

lization settling deep in her chest. Damien didn't know, not because he

stance between father and

kept a respectful distance. "That's okay," she said

re-kids who had been shy, scared, timid, or hesitant to trust

eemed un

ed, stepping forward. "If he d

bout it unsettled Lena. She looked up at him, frowni

s expression didn't change. "I t

h

ather's words, didn't react outwardly, but there was something about the way his shoulders tensed-like he was used to

en more. "Max was a littl

w it, the way Ethan's eyes shifted,

led. "I'll let you read, but I'd love to

rned back to Damien, who

through to him?" he ask

. "I think he's just cautious.

he exhaled and turned toward the door. "You'll be on a schedule," he said, walk

im leave, her

than, who was still watching her,

least, but maybe-just maybe-th