Far from the lewd tension between Nathan and his Milky Mommy,
the late morning sunlight warmed the backyard of that modest little house.
The sky wore a milky blue, and the overly enthusiastic chirping of birds made Lily frown.
"I hate that bird," she muttered, swinging her small legs while sitting on the wooden bench.
Sophia let out a soft chuckle, her hunter hoodie faded at the elbows. "That bird sings every morning. Maybe it likes you."
"Gross. All birds are evil."
"Including Nathan?"
Lily scowled. "Nathan's not a bird. But he's annoying too."
They both burst into laughter. A light, pointless laugh— born from the kind of stupid familiarity that feels like home.
Emilly walked over, carrying two glasses of orange juice. "You two gossiping about your him again, huh?"
Sophia sat up straight in a panic. "No, Auntie! Just… he's really clumsy, that's all. Last time at the market, he dropped a watermelon and it exploded!"
