They didn't ask him what happened.
They didn't need to.
The moment he stepped inside, they were already waiting, curled up on the couch like they had been saving a space just for him. They didn't say a word. Didn't offer questions or jokes.
They just reached out.
And pulled him down with them—like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Evelyn settled on his left side.
Everly took his right.
No teasing this time.
No playful comments.
Just quiet breathing. Warmth. The simple kind of closeness that didn't need to be explained.
They didn't move for a long time.
It was calm.
Still.
Like even the air understood that silence mattered right now. Like the room had decided to hold its breath and let the moment stay untouched.
Ethan's arms rested around them both—not tight, not hesitant. Just steady. One arm draped across Evelyn's back.
