Outside, the last daylight had gone gray against the windows.
Arianne didn't rush. She crossed to the couch and sat, one leg over the other. Her breathing was even. Too even.
Franz was already there, one hand resting along the back of the couch. His posture said relaxed. His eyes said otherwise. He was watching the hallway.
Footsteps came. Light, uneven. Lily appeared first, half-running, half-skipping, her hair coming loose. She slowed when she saw them both already seated. Her pace faltered. She looked at the dark TV, then at Arianne, then at Franz. She didn't ask. She just climbed onto the couch, tucking one leg under herself, pressing close to Arianne's side.
Leo followed slower. He stopped at the edge of the rug. His tablet hung at his side, his fingers curled tighter around it than usual. His eyes moved between Arianne and Franz. Not asking yet. Just bracing.
Arianne let the silence sit. Long enough for Lily to stop fidgeting. Long enough for Leo's shoulders to go tight.
