Jay and Serina had somehow shifted from the office incident to—
the neighbor's new dog.
Then to—
a cooking show Serina watched in the afternoon.
Then to—
a new curtain fabric Jay wanted for the guest room.
They sat close.
Shoulders touching.
Heads tilted toward each other like they were sharing state secrets.
Jay's hands moved as she talked.
Animated.
Bright.
Happy.
Keifer and Keizer stood a little away near the dining counter.
Both holding cups of tea.
Both… forgotten.
Keizer leaned slightly toward his son.
In a low voice.
"Tell me honestly."
Keifer didn't look away from the couch.
"Mm."
"Why do women in love talk this much?"
Keifer watched Jay laugh at something Serina whispered.
Her eyes crinkled softly.
"She was quiet the whole day," he said.
Keizer raised a brow.
"And now?"
"She feels safe."
That made Keizer pause.
He looked back at them.
Serina was listening carefully.
Jay was talking again.
Endlessly.
Softly.
Keizer smiled.
Then murmured,
"…your mother was the same."
Keifer glanced at him.
"She used to talk like the world would disappear if she stopped for one second."
Keizer chuckled.
"And I used to stand exactly like this."
He lifted his cup.
Waiting.
Watching.
Keifer's lips curved faintly.
On the couch, Jay suddenly laughed a little too loud.
"Mama, that's not what I meant!"
Serina gasped dramatically.
"You absolutely meant it!"
They both burst into giggles.
Keifer shook his head.
"She has infected you."
Serina heard him.
Of course she did.
She turned around.
Pointed at him.
"Keifer, don't blame her. You brought her into this family."
Jay peeked from behind Serina's shoulder.
Grinning.
"Too late now."
Keizer laughed.
Keifer sighed.
But he walked closer to the couch.
Slow.
Unhurried.
And stood right behind Jay.
She leaned back without looking.
Resting her head against his stomach.
Naturally.
Like she had always belonged there.
He placed his hand on her head.
Light.
Protective.
Keizer clicked his tongue.
"See?"
Serina smirked.
"They don't talk much."
She looked at Jay and Keifer.
"They just… connect quietly."
Jay smiled up at him.
Keifer looked down at her.
And thought—
Maybe love doesn't need silence.
Maybe it only needs someone who waits patiently…
while it talks.