He looked at me.
“Time.”
“Yes.”
No argument.
He finished his ginger beer and stood carefully.
The others gave him goodbyes without making departure feel like failure.
Talia hugged him.
“Next time, noodles.”
“Next time.”
Owen followed us toward the restrooms because he was going in the same direction.
Noah stopped.
“Bathroom.”
“I’ll show you.”
“I can.”
Owen lifted one hand.
“I’m going.”
I watched them walk away.
Erin noticed.
“You know Owen won’t let him fall.”
“I know.”
“You’re still watching.”
“Yes.”
She smiled gently.
“Caleb would be the same.”
Noah returned several minutes later, leaning more heavily on the pole.
He did not sit.
“Ready.”
We said the final round of goodbyes.
At the car, he accepted help into the passenger seat.
I fastened the belt when his fingers fumbled.
