Page 61 of Nocturne

There’s no trace of the upset child he was the first time we talked about this. As Dr. Maya said, Cas is exceptionally bright—more aware and understanding than most kids his age. Sometimes I forget I’m talking to a child, his mind so sharp and perceptive it makes me ache with pride and a tinge of sadness.

I decide to shift the conversation to something he might enjoy thinking about.

“Hey, Cas?”

He looks up from his ice cream, his mismatched eyes locking onto mine.

“You remember how Dr. Maya said that you’re an exceptionally bright kid?”

He nods, lips pressing together as he listens carefully.

“Well, you’re what they call a gifted student. Some schools offer accelerated classes to keep up with kids like you—places where you can learn without limits. An environment where they don’t run out of things to teach you.”

He nods again, absorbing every word like a sponge.

“Would you be interested in joining one of those programs? Or would you prefer to stay in public school with your current classmates?”

There’s a brief pause before he asks, “What doyouwant me to do?”

The question catches me off guard, and I take a bite of my ice cream to buy a moment to think.

“Honestly? I’m okay with whatever you choose. I just want you to be happy.”

He contemplates that for a moment before speaking.

“Then… would it be okay if I take the accelerated classes?”

I can’t help but smile as I ruffle his hair, watching him lean into my touch with that sweet, trusting look that always melts my heart.

“Of course. You can have anything you want.” I pause, raising a playful eyebrow. “You know… as long as it’s reasonable.”

He chuckles, his laughter light and easy, and returns his focus to his ice cream.

Still, a part of me worries. I know he had trouble making friends in his previous school. I hope this new place will be different for him. I hope he finds kids who understand him, and who won’t make him feel like an outsider.

And more thananything, I hope he knows he’ll always have me—his safe place, his forever home.

“Ara?”

I turn at someone calling my name, and the smile is immediate when I see Dr. Lloyd—or Sean, as he insists I call him—standing far from our table.

“Sean,” I greet as he walks closer.

“This is a nice surprise,” he smiles, his eyes crinkling in warmth.

“Indeed,” I agree.

“And who might this little gentleman be?” Sean bends down to give Cas his hand.

Cas shyly shakes his hand before he turns away, causing the doctor to chuckle.

“This is Cas. He is my kid.”

It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud, and it feels... right. Just so right that I wonder how I have not seen it all these years. How could I’ve wasted all this time not giving Cas a home? With me.

A momentary surprise flickers on Sean’s face—the good kind—before he nods.

“How’s your leg?”

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