Chapter 22 - The Seven-Year Itch
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Miles turned seven on a surprisingly warm Tuesday in April.
He requested a dinosaur-themed party, specifically demanding that all guests must roar before eating cake.
The backyard was decorated with green and brown balloons, and a chaotic group of second-graders ran wildly across the lawn, chasing Barnaby the golden retriever.
Adrian stood near the grill, flipping burgers, watching the organized mayhem with a deep sense of contentment.
"They’re going to trample your flowerbeds," Claire warned, walking up beside him with a tray of fresh buns.
"Let them," Adrian smiled. "Flowers grow back."
Evelyn arrived exactly on time, holding a moderately sized, neatly wrapped present. She wore comfortable slacks and a simple blouse, a far cry from her usual rigid suits.
She walked over to the picnic table, enduring a chorus of loud roars from the children with a bemused, slightly stiff smile.
"Happy birthday, Miles," Evelyn said, handing him the gift.
Miles tore the paper off instantly, revealing a complex, detailed model kit of a T-Rex skeleton.
"Whoa," Miles breathed, his eyes wide. "It has all the bones!"
"It requires patience to assemble," Evelyn noted. "It is not a simple toy."
"Will you help me build it?" Miles asked, looking up at her.
Evelyn blinked, clearly caught off guard by the invitation. She looked at Adrian, then at Claire, seeking permission.
"It looks complicated," Claire said smoothly. "He could definitely use some expert help."
Evelyn knelt down on the grass, carefully opening the box with Miles. They spent the next hour sorting tiny plastic bones, completely ignoring the chaotic party around them.
Adrian watched his mother, her silver hair catching the sunlight, patiently explaining the difference between a femur and a tibia to his son.
May you like
"She’s trying," Adrian whispered to Claire.
"I know," Claire agreed, leaning her head against his shoulder. "And he’s letting her."
