The next morning, Mia and I are the first ones up. It’s a brisk winter morning and I can see frost on the ground outside Mia’s room in the pyramid. I scoop her up and get her changed into her clothes for the day before feeding her. I make her some applesauce. It’s usually her favorite. Today, she’s oddly tentative with it. Then, she sticks her whole fist in it and shoves it to her face, squealing and trying to speak to me. I smile back at her, worries all gone.
Slowly, each of the brothers come into the kitchen. Beau comes in with a girl who he’s far too handsy with. I’m tempted to shield Mia’s eyes but then they leave. Archer takes a protein shake from the fridge and doesn’t acknowledge us before he leaves. Neil and Steven are the last two in. They sit and eat with Mia and I before going
