That evening Elena invited me to stay for supper.

Rose had already gone home.

Willa helped set the table, carefully placing Captain Buttons in an empty chair and reminding us he could not eat vegetables.

After dinner we read the constellation book from our first park meeting.

Willa fell asleep against Elena halfway through a page.

I carried her to bed with Elena beside me.

It was the first time I’d done so.

Willa’s warm weight against my shoulder startled me with its trust.