Faith leans closer. “All the best games evolve.”
I stop short just inside the doorway, one boot still half off, cold air trailing in behind me, and watch the two of them.
They’re sprawled on the living room floor, a ridiculous board game between them. Something involving cards, dice, and an alarming number of handwritten rule amendments taped together. Lila is cross-legged, hair falling into her face, cheeks flushed with intensity. Faith mirrors her posture exactly, sleeves rolled up, concentration etched into her brow, because of course, this is the most important thing happening in the world.
Lila points accusingly. “You’re just mad because I’m winning.”
Faith’s eyes widen. “Winning? You don’t even have a fortress yet.”
“I do,” Lila insists. “It’s invisible.”
Faith squints at the board. “Uh huh. Very convenient.”
I bite back a smile.
The house sounds different. Full, animated, warm.
Faith glances up first and catches me watching. Her smile changes instantly. She’s pleased I’m seeing this. She doesn’t stop playing. Just tilts her head slightly in a silentsee?
Lila follows her gaze. “Dad! She’s cheating.”
“I am not,” Faith says at the same time.
I step fully inside, shutting the door behind me. “I haven’t even heard the rules yet.”
“That’s because she keeps changing them,” Lila says flatly.
Faith lifts a shoulder. “Innovation.”
I crouch down beside them. “Alright. Explain.”
Lila launches into it with the seriousness of a courtroom argument. Faith counters every accusation with a perfectly straight face, occasionally reaching over to adjust a card or move a token when Lila isn’t looking.
“She did it again!” Lila shouts.
Faith grins. “Too slow.”
Lila tackles her without warning.
They go down in a laughing heap, Faith yelping in surprise, Lila shrieking with victory, and my chest shifts. Deep and quiet and permanent.
This is how it’s meant to feel,I think. This warmth. This ease. The house itself is breathing easier.
When they finally disentangle, both breathless and smiling, Lila scrambles to her feet. “I’m hungry.”
“Of course you are,” I say.
“She uses hunger to escape defeat,” Faith adds solemnly.
“It’s a valid strategy,” Lila says, already halfway to the kitchen.
Faith rises more slowly, brushing her hair from her face. She looks happy. Truly happy.
“You okay?” I ask quietly when she reaches me.
She nods. “Yeah. I really am.”
Lila climbs onto a stool and starts explaining her entire game to Rusty, who did not ask. I start on grilled cheese, and Faith leans against the counter, listening, chiming in, asking questions.
