Across the Room

Avery

Our food arrived. Noah dove into his spaghetti with the enthusiasm of someone who'd never eaten before, sauce immediately decorating his face.

"Napkin," I reminded him.

He wiped his mouth, leaving a red streak across his cheek. "This is so good!"

Despite everything, I smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

Across the restaurant, I heard Damian's laugh. Loud, carrying, the kind that made other diner