His son’s slow breathing kept time with the steady ticking of the kitchen clock.

Outside, the evening air was starting to cool.

The orange light of the late sun slanted straight through the front blinds and warmed the floor.

Michael got up carefully from the couch.

Noah opened his eyes and looked around the quiet room.

“We need to bring your bike in for the night,” Michael said.

Noah got up and followed Michael into the front hall.

Michael turned the heavy brass deadbolt and swung the front door wide open.