After seeing his mother off with one last polite smile and a wave that carried far more relief than affection, Felix closed the front door with a muted thud. He exhaled deeply, leaning back against the door and rubbing a hand over his face.
He turned on his heel and climbed the stairs. As he reached the top, he walked past the guest room doors and turned toward his own room.
The door was slightly ajar.
Pushing it open gently, he found Nathan and Maya lying on top of the comforter, tucked under a throw blanket he'd left out just in case. They weren't asleep. Both had their eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling in that quiet, thoughtful way kids sometimes do—when their minds are full but their words are waiting for the right moment.
Felix smiled softly.
"Hey," he said, keeping his voice low and warm. "Hope I didn't leave you two too bored?"
