Pearl corrected her gently.

Then they raced upstairs to build a model of the solar system.

Desmond spent the first hour hovering in the hallway, offering snacks, blankets, and assistance that nobody needed.

I pulled him aside.

“Do you remember how you wanted someone to tell you everything Pearl was thinking?” I asked.

He smiled sheepishly.

“Apparently I haven’t entirely stopped.”

“She gets to have ordinary secrets.