Lewis reached out and gently ruffled my hair, his voice light, almost teasing."Alright now. That's enough. You're fussing too much."
The touch was soft. Careful. Too careful, maybe.I didn't comment on it.
Instead, I stood up slowly, my mind already racing. I needed a few minutes alone with Grandma. Just us. But with Mrs. Thailon still in the room, that wouldn't be easy. Lewis would understand without me saying a word. He always did. But Mrs. Thailon was cautious, loyal to a fault. She wouldn't leave her post so easily.
Before I could come up with an excuse, Lewis spoke, as if he'd caught my thought mid-breath.
"Ah right," he said casually. "We left the fruit basket in the car. Mrs. Thailon, my knee's been acting up again. Would you mind helping me get it?"
Mrs. Thailon hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward me, sharp and assessing. She clearly didn't like the idea of leaving me alone.
