Chapter 9 - The First Night
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The sun set, casting long, elegant shadows across the minimalist mansion. Nathan had given June the largest guest suite on the second floor. It was a beautiful, sterile room with a king-sized bed, white linens, and a massive television. It was entirely unsuited for a child.
Nathan stood in the massive kitchen, staring at the commercial-grade refrigerator. He had billions of dollars, but he had absolutely no idea what a nine-year-old ate for dinner. His personal chef was off for the weekend.
He heard the soft padding of socked feet against the hardwood floor.
June stood in the doorway of the kitchen. She had taken off her oversized coat, revealing a faded, too-small t-shirt and loose jeans. In her hand, she held the red construction paper heart.
"Are you hungry?" Nathan asked, offering an awkward smile. "I can order us food. Pizza? Burgers? Whatever you want."
June walked slowly toward the marble island. She unfolded the red paper and carefully tore off one of the hand-drawn coupons. She pushed it across the smooth marble toward him.
Nathan looked down. It read: I WILL HELP MAKE PANCAKES.
"I can cook," June said, her voice strained with anxiety. "I know how to use the stove. I won't make a mess. I can make dinner."
Nathan stared at the coupon, his heart breaking all over again. She was reverting to her survival tactics. She was in a massive, terrifying house with a stranger, and she believed she had to perform labor to justify taking up space.
Nathan reached across the counter and gently pushed the coupon back toward her.
"June," Nathan said softly, walking around the island to stand near her. "I meant what I said at the center. The coupon system is retired. You don't have to cook for me."
June’s lower lip trembled. "But... but I have to do something. If I don't help, you'll send me back. That's how it works."
"Not here," Nathan said firmly, dropping to one knee. "You are my family. Family doesn't have to pay rent with chores or perfection. You are allowed to just be a kid here."
He reached out, pointing to the coupon in her hand. "But, if you actually want pancakes for dinner, I am more than happy to help you completely ruin my spotless kitchen trying to make them."
June looked at him, a genuine spark of surprise lighting up her gray eyes. "We can have pancakes for dinner?"
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"We can have whatever we want," Nathan smiled. "I'm the boss."
For the first time since he met her, a tiny, authentic smile broke across June’s face. It was small, but to Nathan, it was brighter than a supernova.
