Night settled gently over the Kingsley estate, the air warm and thick with the soft hum of cicadas outside. The triplets' shared bedroom was dimly lit by the soft glow of their nightlight—a small glass orb shaped like a moon, casting a soothing blue hue over the three small beds lined side by side.
Yu knelt by the last bed, smoothing down the blanket over Ashton's tiny frame. His eyes were red around the edges from exhaustion, though he smiled softly as he brushed a hand through Ashton's hair.
"Are you sure you don't want to sleep with mama and dad—with me tonight?"
Yu asked, his tone gentle.
"You can stay in our bed if you'd like. It's your last night here before you go to your… dad's."
Ashton's hands clutched the edge of his blanket, his eyes flicking briefly toward the door before he shook his head quickly.
"No, mama…"
He said, voice quiet but firm.
"I'm a big boy now. I can sleep by myself."
Yu smiled tenderly, pride and heartbreak mingling in his chest.
