it was just past 8 pm when you pulled into renees driveway. the porch light was on, casting a soft yellow glow over the steps, familiar and warm. you didnt turn off the car right away. you just sat there for a second, holding your son, ethan. his tiny breaths were warm against your neck as he slept and his arms curled around your chest like he never wanted to let go

you stepped out slowly, careful not to jostle him, and made your way to the front door. renee was already opening it before you could knock, like shd been standing behind it, waiting. her eyes met yours, that quiet kind of look shes been giving you lately. it wasnt sad or bitter. it was just knowing and gentle

“hey” she said softly, stepping back to let you in

“hey” you whispered, adjusting ethan in your arms “hes out”

she smiled faintly and reached for him. you hesitated for a beat, then let him go. ethan stirred but didnt wake, his little hand brushing renees collarbone before going limp again

“ill go lay him down” she murmured, already turning down the hallway. you watched her walk away, barefoot in an old sweatshirt and sleep shorts, her blonde hair tied up and messy in a way that looked unintentional but probably wasnt

you wandered into the kitchen while she was gone. the scent of warm pasta sauce still lingered in the air. a half empty box of groceries sat on the counter and you could hear the faint hum of the dishwasher running. you opened the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, and leaned against the counter while waiting for her to return

a few minutes later, she came back. her arms were crossed loosely over her chest now, a sleepy softness in her face

“he went right down" she said

“hes gotten better about bedtime” you nodded “but he still wakes up"

renee raised a brow as she started putting away the groceries “yeah?”

you shrugged, watching her move “not a lot. just little moments. hell call out and ill go in and hes like half asleep, just asking where you are”

she paused with her back to you and a box of pasta in her hand. you saw her shoulders lift then fall before she spoke up quietly "yeah. he asked for you a lot when she was here last week too. woke up crying one night and said he dreamed we were all together again”

you swallowed around the lump that suddenly appeared in your throat and looked away

“hes still so little" you said “its probably confusing for him”

she nodded “yeah but hes happy. he laughs a lot. talks about you all the time. wont stop saying how you taught him the crab walk”

that made you smile a little “he loves the crab walk”

“he also said you let him eat ice cream before lunch” she added, glancing over her shoulder

you raised both hands in mock surrender “okay once and it was frozen yogurt. with fruit. technically healthy”

she snorted and went back to sorting. there was this hum between you. it was familiar and comfortable but also delicate, like the space between two people whod built something real then broke it but couldnt quite stop caring

she reached for a can on the top shelf and stood on her toes to grab it. you automatically stepped behind her, bracing a hand lightly on her hip so she didnt lose balance

she froze for a second but didnt move away “ive got it” she said softly, pulling the can down and placing it in the pantry

your hand dropped “i know"

she turned back around, leaned against the counter, and studied you for a second. her expression unreadable and thoughtful but a little guarded

“you staying for a bit?” she asked “or do you have to head out?”

you looked toward the hallway where ethan was fast asleep “i can stay for a little”

she nodded “you want some pasta? i made way too much”