Lunch came to a comfortable end.
The conversation gradually faded into companionable silence as everyone finished the last of their meals.
Kai leaned back in his chair with a content sigh.
"I'm officially too full to move."
"You'll survive," Aunt Mary said, gathering a few empty serving bowls.
"I don't know..."
"You said that after breakfast yesterday."
"I was younger then."
Aunt Mary shook her head with an amused smile before reaching for Killian's plate.
"I'll get that, dear."
Before she could, Killian had already stood.
"It's alright."
He stacked his plate with his bowl and utensils before carrying everything to the kitchen sink.
Aunt Mary followed behind him.
"Oh, leave those. I'll wash them later."
Killian had already rolled up the sleeves of his black shirt and turned on the faucet.
"It won't take long."
"Kai can wash the dishes."
Kai, still comfortably slouched in his chair, looked up.
"...I can?"
"You've got two perfectly good hands."
