I nce at Arthur, who shrugs. "I''d love to," he says, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "Just one story, though. It''s past your


    bedtime."


    I leave them to it, Arthur''s deep voice following me down the hall as he begins to read one of Miles'' favorite books. Something


    warm unfurls in my chest at the sound of the two of them together, and suddenly, the thought of moving back in together, into.


    our old apartment and finally being a family, seems far more appealing than it did yesterday.


    But this apartmentes with my residency. I need to finish it out, for my career and for Miles'' stability. We''ve moved around


    enoughtely. He needs some consistency, even if it''s just for a few months.


    And maybe... maybe this way is better for Arthur and me, too. If we''re going to try again, to see if we can rebuild what we once


    had, perhaps we should take it slow. Date each other. Fall in love again. It would be like a fresh start for our rtionship, a chance


    to do things right this time.


    Arthur finds me in the kitchen nursing a cup of tea, looking surprisingly domestic with his sleeves rolled up and his tie long


    discarded. "He''s asleep," he says, nodding toward Miles'' room. "That dinosaur book is quite the story."


    "It''s his favorite. He makes me read it at least once a week"


    "I can see why. Verypelling plot." Arthur moves to the sink, running water to fill a ss. The simple domesticity of the


    gesture makes my heart ache with longing for what we once had, but also makes my heart soar for we might have again.


    "Thank you," I say softly. "For wanting to stay tonight. And for reading to him."


    Arthur turns to face me, taking a sip of his water. "I should be thanking you. For letting me be a part of your lives, even after


    everything."


    The sincerity in his eyes makes my throat tighten. We''ve hurt each other so much, made so many mistakes. But standing here in


    my kitchen, with our son sleeping peacefully down the hall, I can almost believe we might find our way back to each other.


    "I''m going to make up the couch for you," I say, setting down my mug.


    Arthur nods. "I appreciate it,"


    I gather sheets, a pillow, and a nket from the linen closet, then work together with Arthur to make up the sofa. It''s slightly too


    short for his tall frame, but he doesn''tin. We say goodnight and I quickly make my way to my room before I can make the


    rash decision to invite him toe with me.


    In my bedroom, I change into pajamas and slide under the covers, my body exhausted but my mind still racing. The events of the day y through my head like a movie reel. It''s been one of the longest, most emotionally draining days of my life, but strangely


    fulfilling in some very unexpected ways.


    Eventually, I drift into a fitful sleep.


    I''m not sure how long I''ve been asleep when a noise pulls me from my dreams-a soft tter from the main part of the


    apartment. Blinking in the darkness, I try to orient myself. Another noise, this time the distinct sound of cupboards opening and


    closing


    Someone''s in the kitchen.


    My heart rate spikes as I jolt upright.


    now-maybe Emi fell ano


    What if someone followed me home? People know my identity duty and someone snuck in.


    Moving as quietly as possible, I slip out of bed and grab the baseball bat I keep in my closet-a habit from my years living alone with Miles. Better safe than sorry.


    With my heart pounding, I creep down the hallway, bat raised and ready. The sounds from the kitchen continue-drawers sliding open, something being set on the counter.


    I round the corner and yelp as a tall figure nearly ms into me.


    Without thinking, operating purely on instinct, I swing the bat.