“We were about to have dessert,” Zoey said.
“Chocolate,” Bobbi said immediately.
“With sprinkles,” Zoey added, glancing at me.
“But not too many,” Bobbi said. “Too many is wrong.”
“Correct,” Zoey said.
I moved to the kitchen automatically, started scooping the ice cream, then paused and remembered the bowls.
Zoey made a sound that stopped me mid-motion and shot me a look that carried warning and amusement in equal measure.
“No dishes.”
Bobbi nodded solemnly. “Future us will be mad.”
I put the bowls back where they belonged and carried the ice cream and toppings to the coffee table.
We sat on the floor because the couch wasn’t big enough for the three of us. Bobbi folded herself cross-legged with precision. Markie transferred himself to her knee without ceremony.
She froze completely.
“He’s heavy,” she said.
“He likes his treats. He’s getting comfortable,” Zoey said.
“PLEASE HOLD,” Markie muttered.
Bobbi smiled, careful not to move. “He sounds tired.”
“He works in tech support,” Zoey said. “We’re all tired.”
“That makes sense,” Bobbi said. “He has the right energy for it.”
I handed out spoons. I made sure Bobbi got the sprinkles first. She counted them carefully as she poured. Six. No more. No less.
“My therapist says moderation is key,” she said.
Zoey paused halfway through a bite. “You have a therapist?”
“Yes,” Bobbi said. “She helps me when my brain gets loud.”
Markie clicked once in approval.
“My therapist also helped me yesterday,” Bobbi continued, still casual, still exact. “When I found you on the ground.”
The room shifted. Zoey stilled beside me. I felt it without looking.
“She did?” Zoey asked gently.
Bobbi nodded. “I was scared. I didn’t know if you were sleeping or hurt. My body wanted to run. That happens whenthings are wrong. But my therapist says when my nervous system is loud, I have to slow it down before I decide anything.”
Zoey set her spoon down.
“So I sat on my hands,” Bobbi said. “I counted. I put my feet flat on the floor. I named five things I could see. Then I called for help.”
She looked up at Zoey then, her expression serious. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
