After a while, he says, "Can we build a fort?"
"A fort?"
"Yeah.With pillows and blankets.A proper one."
"Alright.Let's do it."
We raid the sitting room, gather every pillow and blanket we can find.I drape blankets over chairs, stack pillows and create walls and a roof.
Warren watches with wide eyes."You're really good at this."
"Just using what I know about structure."
"What's structure?"
"Making things strong.So they don't fall down."
"Oh.Can you teach me?"
"Yeah.I can teach you."
We work together, making the fort bigger and more elaborate than it needs to be.
By the time we're done, it's honestly impressive.It takes up half the sitting room.
Warren crawls inside."Come on!"
I follow him inside, barely fitting, but I manage it.We sit cross-legged facing each other, surrounded by pillows and soft light filtering through the blankets.
"This is the best fort ever," Warren declares.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah.Better than the one Gran made."
"Don't tell her that."
He giggles."I won't."
I grab some snacks from the kitchen and bring them back.We sit in our fort eating biscuits and crisps and talking.
"Who's your favorite superhero?"Warren asks suddenly.
"Favorite superhero?"
"Yeah.Everyone has one.Mine's Spider-Man.Because he's funny and he helps people."
"Spider-Man's a good choice."
"Who's yours?"
I think."Maybe Batman."
"Why?"
"Because he's just a man.No powers.Just doing what he can to protect people."
I watch as Warren processes what I’ve just said."That's like you."
