~Reo’s~

Lantern light flickers across the garden path. It's golden reflection shines over the trimmed hedges and flowerbeds that sway like quiet witnesses. Reo spots her near the swing. Her silhouette’s lit by the silver glow of a lamp above her.

Jennie’s arms are folded. She’s looking down at Blue, who’s curled asleep in a stroller, wrapped in two blankets like the precious cargo he is. Her expression is relaxed, not guarded. Just… thoughtful.

He walks up slowly. Doesn’t want to intrude. But she turns before he speaks, and their eyes meet under the whisper of warm wind.

“You handled her well,” she says gently. “Your mom.”

Reo exhales softly....