"No, not quite. Just gathering some thoughts, not wool," he said with a smile. "What's up, little man?"
Adir gave him a suspicious once-over, clearly not convinced he was fully back on Earth, but then straightened and announced with authority, "Well, today you have to help me with bath and bed. Come on. Move it, move it."
Adam sighed, the sound coming out more resigned than annoyed. He knew very well that Adir didn't really need help with either. The kid was fiercely independent—capable of brushing, bathing, and dressing for bed with minimal supervision. But Adam also knew exactly what this was: a well-planned diversion.
This was Melanie's tactic.
She wasn't going to talk to him. Not yet. Instead, she was assigning him to "duty" through Adir, sending a message loud and clear. That she was not going to talk to him. Adam turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of her as she picked up a few empty bowls from the table. Just as his eyes met her profile, she turned away.
