Barret returns later than expected, and when he quietly turns the knob to Marlene’s bedroom, finds her neatly tucked under her covers, her breathing soft and steady. He pauses at the doorway, eyes softening as he watches you quietly put away the picture book you’d read to her that night. Marlene looks forward to spending time with you more than anyone, and since you entered their lives barely a year ago, you’d been the first friend he went to when he was in a bind.

Barret clears his throat when you start to approach the doorway. “Thanks.” He keeps his voice as quiet as he can to avoid disturbing the peace within the room. Y’know, for doin’ this all the time. You’re good with her.” He hesitates, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly as if it’s hard to admit, but then he adds, “Hell, means more than I can say.”