“I know.”
That weekend, he helped Peter finish the spare room before his aunt arrived.
In the weeks afterward, he arranged other childcare.
And called without asking for favors.
One Thursday, he asked whether I could collect Oliver from nursery.
I told him Peter and I had tickets to a concert.
For a moment, he was quiet.
Then he said, “All right, Mom. I’ll make another arrangement. Enjoy yourselves.”
Then one Friday, he invited Peter and me to Sunday dinner.
“Just dinner, Mom. Nothing else.”
I almost asked whether they needed help preparing it.
Instead, I said we’d love to come.
When we arrived, Zoe opened the door.
“Grandma! Your chair’s ready!”
She led me into the dining room.
Six places.
Six plates.
Joel came from the kitchen carrying a dish.
He set it down, wiped his hands, and pulled out my chair.
Across the table, Peter caught my eye.
