When both reached home, everyone had already gathered in the living room, waiting like children eager for stories.
"So, how was it?" Julian asked as he set down a tray of warm tea.
Adrian, usually quiet, sat down and replied simply, "It was good. I made a friend."
"A friend?" Milo blinked. "That's so nice, brother Adi! When I get better, I'll find a job too! Maybe we can go together!" he said cheerfully, and his eyes sparkled with dreams.
Julian smiled, proud of how well everyone was growing. Even Adrian, who used to keep everything to himself, was slowly opening up.
But Karl sat silently.
His chin rested on his knees, arms wrapped around them, and his blue eyes were glued to the floor. He didn't even look up when Ruby came out of her room, hair wet from the shower and fresh robe hugging her frame.
He looked up only once and their eyes met.
But Ruby's face didn't soften.
