In the room next door, Kevin slid out of bed once he finished eating and found his slippers. His head still ached from everything that had happened lately, so he hadn’t wanted anyone staying in his room. He leaned against the wall for balance and took his time walking out into the hallway.
He knew he’d messed things up with Dennis. The boy’s anger was something Kevin had brought on himself, and he had to live with that.
He made his way to Dennis’s room and stopped at the door. Through the little window, he saw Dennis sitting on the bed, tearing into his breakfast with both hands. The kid’s cheeks were smeared with oil, and he was watching TV, laughing so hard his eyes almost disappeared. He looked completely at ease, totally happy.
Maybe things hadn’t hit him as hard as Kevin had worried.
A smile flickered across Kevin’s face as he raised his hand and knocked.
Dennis heard the sound and glanced up, but from where he sat, he couldn’t see who was at the door. He just looked for a second before diving back into his food.
Amelia, who was close by, turned around and answered the door. She was surprised to see Kevin standing there. “Grandpa, what are you doing here?” she asked, quickly reaching out to steady him.
Kevin gave her a tired smile. “I just wanted to check on Dennis.”
Amelia nodded, then called back into the room. “Dennis, Grandpa’s here to see you.”
With Amelia’s help, Kevin slowly made his way inside. There was a smile in his eyes, but he looked tired.
Dennis stopped chewing the second he saw who it was. The happy look on his face disappeared, replaced by a frozen, stunned expression. Kevin noticed the change right away.
So Dennis really was upset with him.
Kevin’s own face fell, and in that moment, Ethan came over to help Amelia guide Kevin to the sofa.
“Dennis, what are you staring at?” Amelia coaxed. “Come over and say hi to Grandpa.”
Dennis hesitated. Kevin’s expression was serious, as if he was about to start scolding again. Dennis didn’t even know what he’d done wrong this time.
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