Franz pulled into the driveway of his parents' estate a little after two. The afternoon light had turned gold, the kind of late winter glow that made everything look soft. He cut the engine and sat for a moment, listening to the silence.
Then he went inside.
Amanda met him at the door with a warm hug.
"They're almost ready," she said. "Leo is saying goodbye to the koi fish."
"He said goodbye to them last time too."
"He's thorough."
She gave him a look then. The same look from Friday. But softer now. Her eyes moved over his face like she was checking something off a list.
"You look rested," she said.
Franz felt his mouth twitch. He looked away. But the smile came anyway.
Amanda didn't push. She never did.
The drive home was loud.
Lily talked the entire way. No pauses. No need for responses. She told him about Grandma's cookies, about the movie they watched, about how Grandpa Vincent had fallen asleep in his chair and snored so loud the dog started barking.
