Milo’s lips part, maybe to say something, maybe to…
“Ahhh!”the video game character screams, pulling our attention to the TV screen. We witness the last moments of an assassin elf swinging his blade.
“Oh man,” Milo laughs, slumping against the couch. “Even when I’m not paying attention, I manage to kill my character.”
And at that, any hope of keeping my laughter to myself disappears. A barrelful leaps out of me, forcing me to hold my gut as I fold in on myself.
Milo joins in laughing, swiping a hand under his glasses to wipe his eyes. His shoulders jiggle as he laughs and I can’t help thinking how dang cute his smile looks.
As whispered laughter hiccups out of him, Milo attempts another try. My eyes shift back and forth from the screen and Milo. There’s determination in his eyes and his tongue slightly pokes out as he goes for it. His character runs past two pitfalls and avoids a row of falling swords. And just when he gets further than he’d ever gotten, a trap door swallows him whole.
Milo drops the controller and we both burst into thunderous laughter.
“Oh my gosh,” I say, straining for breath as I keel over giggling, “you have the worst video game luck.”
Milo wheezes, planting a hand over his chest, and his glasses slide down his nose. “I officially give up.”
I giggle and pat his knee. “I think that’s fair. You gave it your all.”
Milo sniggers and places his hand over mine. “Thanks for not saying I just suck.”
I bite my lip and soak up the warmth from his hand. When he releases me, I pull my hand to my lap and smile. “You didn’t suck.”
Heavy footsteps sound up the stairs. Kai walks onto the landing, dumping his bag with a huff. Grass stains cover his soccer uniform and his chest heaves. He looks at the TV screen and then back at us.
“What the hell, James?” Kai asks, scrutinizing us. “You don’t show at my game, but you’re playing Shadow Quest withhim?”
“What’s the big deal?” I ask, sitting taller.
“I thought you were supposed to be studying,” Kai says. “If you wanted to slack off, why weren’t you hanging with me?”
“Give me a break,” I mutter and gesture at Gandalf. “This thing kept me up all night.”
“Ever heard of an off switch?” Kai argues.
“It doesn’t turn off, genius,” Milo scolds.
Kai rolls his eyes and swats a hand at his brother. “Don’t you start with me.”
After Kai marches into his room, shutting the door behind him, I whisper, “He’s in a mood. They must’ve lost.”
“That would be a good excuse for his grouchiness,” Milo replies. “But he’s always like that with me.”
“Everyone must’ve come home while we were laughing. I haven’t seen your grandparents since they’ve been here.” I get off the couch. “I’m heading downstairs.”
Milo follows, carrying the baby carrier. I fly down the stairs, eagerly outpacing him.
“Oh, Jamie!” Grandma Nelson says excitedly, throwing her arms toward me. “Hello, sweetheart. We’ve missed you.”
I rush into her arms, giving her a hug. “I’ve missed you too.”
“We were worried something had gone wrong with Maddy’s trip when we saw her car out front,” Mrs. Nelson says, carrying a tray with a jug of coffee and a set of mugs.
“She said she’s sorry for leaving the car here,” I reply. “Her boyfriend got held up. They ran out of time to drop me off before heading toward the city. The car key is on the counter if you want to move it.”
Mr. Nelson waves a hand. “It’s fine where it is. Our cars fit in the garage, so it’s no trouble.”
“Oh my gosh,” Mrs. Nelson says with a laugh, placing the tray on the coffee table. “Is this the baby?”
