On weekends, York sometimes stayed over at their house. The couple had even prepared a guest room just for him, but it had never really been used–York always ended up bunking with Ivan instead.


    The bed was big enough, and the boys got along so well that the adults. saw no reason to object. Still, the guest room remained, just in case.


    “Don’t be fooled by how often Yorkes around. When something’s actually wrong, he keeps it to himself. The better you treat him, the less. likely he is to trouble you,” Alessiamented, her fondness clear. Having watched York grow up, she understood him even better than she realized.


    “What trouble? He’s still just a kid. His parents aren’t here, and his


    brother’s always away on business trips…” Karen’s brow furrowed tighter with concern.


    York wasn’t just the lively, sweet–talking little brother her daughter adored; he’d also helped Ivan countless times. In Karen’s heart, York was already family. Whenever she bought Ivan new clothes, she’d always pick out something for York too. When she baked a new dessert, her first thought wasn’t to call Ivan over to try it–it was to have Ivan invite York, so they could taste it together.


    “If I’m being honest, York’s probably spent more time at our house than at his own. So why, when he needs help, does he keep away? I just can’t understand it.”


    “I already asked Mom,” Ivan chimed in quietly. “He won’te. He doesn’t want to bother you. So I said I’d go look after him. Is that okay?”


    Karen knelt down, smoothing Ivan’s hair with a grateful smile.


    “Ivan, I’m so d you care about him. But you’re still a child yourself–there’s a lot you just can’t do alone. Why don’t we invite York here, so we can all take care of him together, okay?”


    She praised Ivan, but gently pointed him toward a better solution.


    1101


    “But he doesn’t want toe,” Ivan puffed out his cheeks, the disappointment in on his face.


    “Here’s what we’ll do,” Karen said, a yful glint in her eyes. “I’ll call York. myself. And if he still refuses, we’ll just drive over and bring him back. Simple as that.”


    The childish determination in her voice drewughter from everyone in the room.


    “I like that n!” Brendan Morton added, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders and nting a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll go pick up some pork knuckles at the market, make him something hearty <i>when </i>you bring him home.”


    The kids were long used to the couple’s affectionate ways.


    Without further dy, Alessia dialed York’s number and handed the phone to Karen.


    “Alessia?”


    “Hey, York, it’s Karen.”


    “Karen?!” York’s voice shrank to a nervous whisper.


    “That’s right. I heard from Ivan you hurt your foot. I bet it hurts a lot, huh?” Karen’s voice was warm and gentle, as if coaxing a little one.


    York absentmindedly stroked Rex, the dog curled at his feet, suddenly feeling a bit shy.


    “It doesn’t hurt. The doctor said it’s nothing serious.” His voice had a rare softness, as if he wasn’t quite sure how to handle this kind of concern.


    “We’ve kept your room ready, you know. And I’ve been working on some new recipestely. Why don’t you stay with us for a while and help me. taste–test them? Ivan just nods when he eats–he’s no help at all. But I love hearing your feedback.”


    York was mature for his age–he understood exactly what Karen meant.


    He scrunched up his nose, a bittersweet feeling washing over him.


    <b>11:01 </b>


    hapter 406


    On the other end of the line, there was a long silence. Alessia lowered her gaze, understanding York’s hesitation. A child who’s never been given a treat before doesn’t quite know what to do when someone finally hands them one.


    Can I ept it? Am I allowed to eat it? How should I eat it? Can I have it


    now?


    So many questions–all he could do was clutch the candy and stand there, frozen in ce.


    11:01