Nathan walked them to the bathroom, then to the kitchen for water, then back to bed. He sat on the floor between their two small beds until they slept again.
In the morning, he called me.
“They stayed,” he said, voice rough with wonder.
I stood in my kitchen, looking at the dandelions long since wilted but still in their glass.
“They did.”
“I was afraid I’d do it wrong.”
“You will.”
“Helpful.”
“You’ll do it wrong and repair it. That seems to be the job.”
Nathan was quiet.
Then he said, “They asked if you can come for breakfast next time.”
My chest tightened.
“With blueberries on top?”
“Obviously.”