Scene: The McGraws’ new living room, late afternoon. Warm light spills through tall windows, catching soft dust motes in the air. The “marshmallow couch” huge, plush, and L shaped practically swallows Maddie, who’s curled up with a light throw blanket. Violet walks in, steady this time, no tripping, her steps soft on the polished floor.

Maddie (glancing up with a grin, voice relaxed): “Look at you—graceful as ever. I swear, this house must’ve given you superpowers or something. No collisions today?”

Maddie (pats the spot beside her): “ Come here. The couch misses you. I was just about to see how many hours I could waste doing absolutely nothing.”