Seeing that he was in low spirits, Karen kept up a steady flow of chatter, her hands never stopping as she worked.


    “Ivan doesn’t have friends his age, and he barely even talks to us. Most days, he’s as silent as a young monk in a cloister. You’re probably the only one who can get a reaction out of him, and honestly, I’m d to see that.”


    York wrinkled his nose, too embarrassed to reply.


    “But


    you really shouldn’t run off on your own. Next time, please tell someone at home, or at least let Lessie know. The second she heard you’d snuck out rushed straight here from school.”


    York hesitated, trying <i>to </i>hide his smirk, making a show ofining.


    “She’s just worried I’ll get her in trouble. Half the time, she can’t wait to get rid of me.”


    Karen let out a gentleugh. “Lessie hasn’t been back long, but mothers know their daughters–she cares about you, York, even if she doesn’t show it outright.”


    “Really?” There was a flicker of hope in York’s eyes.


    “Of course it’s true.” Karen looked him right in the eye. “So don’t run off alone when you’re upset. Lessie would be worried sick. And if you ever don’t know where to go, you can alwayse to me. I’ll make you something good to eat.”


    “Th–thank you.” York’s cheeks flushed as he ducked his head, scrubbing the dishes a little more vigorously to hide his embarrassment.


    “And York, you’re bright and outgoing. I think it’d be wonderful if you and Ivan could be friends.”


    “I… I identally tore his book. I swear, I didn’t mean to. I was just messing around. I told him I’d rece it, but he kicked me out before I could exin…”


    York, flustered, spoke faster. He couldn’t understand why Ivan was so angry–it was just a book.


    But Karen nodded, understanding.


    “Ivan’s only real passion is drawing, so he treasures anything rted to it. It’s like if


    I broke your favorite toy by ident–wouldn’t you be upset too?”


    York pouted, his hands going still. “So what should I do now?”


    12-17


    Chapter <b>144 </b>


    “The cake’s ready!” Karen ted a slice of warm<b>, </b>delicate sponge cake and handed York a napkin to dry his hands, her movements gentle and caring.


    York froze, letting Karen wipe his hands and ce the small te in his palms.


    “Take it and share with Ivan. And remember to apologize, properly this time.”


    She ruffled his hair, her voice soft and warm as sunlight on a winter afternoon–soothing and sincere.


    York pressed his lips together, starting to understand why Alessia hadn’t wanted to go to Merovia with him after all.


    He nodded, bncing the te, and knocked on Ivan’s door. Rex sat by wagging, eyes fixed on the closed door.


    ide, tail


    Atst, the door creaked open. Ivan, expecting Karen from the gentle knock, looked surprised to see York and Rex. Instinctively, he tried to close the door, but York quickly wedged the te into the gap.


    “It’s fresh out of the oven–want to share?” York poked his head in, giving Ivan a goofy grin. Right on cue, Rex barked once.


    They stared at each other for a moment, and finally Ivan relented, opening the door wider.


    York let out a sigh of relief, offering a sheepish smile. Someone as wild as York wasn’t used <i>to </i>apologizing, much less grinning like a puppy.


    Honestly, if Alessia were here, she’d probably be surprised too.


    Meanwhile, outside, Alessia’s first instinct was to call Ste.


    <b>13.17 </b>