The waitress placed two steaming cups on the table with a practised smile, the rich scent of roasted coffee beans drifting through the cozy cafe. Willow offered her thanks with a polite nod before turning her full attention back to the boy seated across from her. She rested her hands on the edge of the table for a moment, fingers drumming lightly as though she were choosing her words. Then she exhaled, her shoulders rising and falling with a sigh.
"My little brother," she said at last, her eyes narrowing, her tone carrying a hint of affection beneath the reproach. "You are becoming more and more mischievous. Why aren't you telling me the truth?"
Micah straightened at once, puffing out his chest as if to defend himself, his lips curling into the faintest of smirks. "I'm not sure what you mean," he said, tilting his head innocently. "I'm telling the truth." His voice wavered just slightly at the end, betraying a flicker of unease.
