Normally, he would’ve been curious, distracted, full of energy.
But not tonight.
He was too quiet. Too still. Watching everything like he was trying to understand something bigger than he should have had to.
“This meeting in Chicago is important,” Quasi said, pulling me into a hug that felt familiar—but somehow empty. “Just a few days. I’ll be back before you know it.”
I smiled, out of habit more than anything.
“Of course,” I replied. “We’ll be fine.”
Kenzo’s hand tightened around mine.
Quasi knelt down in front of him, placing his hands on his shoulders, adjusting him slightly like he knew how the moment should look.
“Take care of Mom for me, okay?” he said gently.
Kenzo didn’t speak. He just nodded, staring at his father with an intensity that made something twist inside me.
