By the time Arianne got the twins into bed, the house had gone flat.
Lily fought it first. "I'm not tired." Two questions about why the moon follows the car. One whispered conversation with Leo that ended with him typing something on his tablet and her refusing to show what it was.
Then Lily's eyes closed mid-sentence.
Leo went easier. His tablet slipped from his hands while he was reading it. His breathing changed before he did.
Arianne stayed. Sitting on the edge of the bed. One hand on the blanket between them. Not touching either of them. Just close enough to feel the rise and fall.
She sat there longer than she needed to.
When she finally stood, she adjusted the blanket. Unnecessary. Checked the tablet on the bedside table. Turned the light off halfway. Dim enough that the room didn't feel empty.
The door closed behind her without a sound.
The drive was silent. No music.
