Elena shrugged like it was normal. “In her pocket.”
I exhaled slowly, staring at my daughter like she was a small, fearless menace. “Bug... worms don’t belong in pockets.”
Haille pouted. “But I wanna show you.”
My mouth twitched despite myself. “Okay,” I said, voice low but amused. “Next time, show me with your words. Not... your pockets.”
Elena stayed off to the side the whole time. Like she was letting me have my time without stepping into the middle. She stayed nearby because Haille still needed help with the laptop, and because a toddler couldn’t be trusted to sit still for ten minutes without turning the screen upside down.
At first, it was always like that. Haille and me. Elena just... there.
I didn’t push. After everything, I didn’t get to demand warmth. I didn’t get to ask for closeness. What I got... I earned.
Halfway through the call, Haille started yawning.
“Slide...” she mumbled out of nowhere, then blinked slow.
“Okay,” Elena sighed. “She’s done.”
Haille dropped her head onto the table like her body shut down and Elena lifted her smoothly, one arm supporting her back.
I watched her for a second.
“Elena,” I said before she walked away.
She paused.
“Don’t rush.”
She nodded once, then carried Haille out of frame. I assumed she’d end the call. She didn’t.
A few minutes passed before she came back, quiet. She glanced at the screen and stopped. “...I forgot to end it.”
She reached for the laptop—then hesitated.
So did I. Neither of us moved for a second too long.
“How’s she?” I asked, meaning Haille.
“Asleep,” Elena replied, sounding amused. “She was full of energy all day.”
“Of course she was.” My mouth curved. “She’s yours.”
Elena’s lips twitched slightly. “She’s yours too.”
I let out a small breath that might’ve been a laugh. “Yeah.”
That actually got a short smile out of her.
“How’s work?” I asked, starting the conversation.
“Busy,” she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “As usual.”
I nodded, leaning back in my chair. “Sounds about right.”
Then she added, almost casually, “But it’s been manageable. Sloane has been really helpful—quick, and picks things up fast.”
That caught my attention.
