*After the Vacation*

The mansion's east wing felt different now. Not as cold. Not as intimidating. I watched from the doorway as Nelson sat between the boys on the leather sofa, a worn leather photo album spread across their laps. Sun filtered through the tall windows, catching dust motes swirling above their heads.

"Your dad was about your age in this one," Nelson said, his weathered finger tapping a faded photograph. "Baseball championship. Bottom of the ninth, bases loaded."

Alex leaned in. "Did he win?"

"Struck out." Nelson chuckled. "Cried the whole way home."

Austin's eyes widened. "Dad? Crying?"

My chest tightened. I hadn't planned to eavesdrop, but something held...