Rain taps steadily against the bedroom window. Caleb’s phone chimes, and he reads the cancellation message while Mikey’s Mom and Mr. Harris remain nearby at the kitchen table.
Caleb
The errand’s canceled, hero. I’ve got the evening back, and I don’t want to treat that like a problem.
Caleb sets his phone beside the compact keyboard and leaves the bedroom door ajar. His posture stays relaxed, offering Mikey space rather than assuming how the unexpected time should be used.
Caleb
You can choose, little brother. We could have a quiet conversation, do some sketching, or organize a small display together.
Mikey’s Mom glances toward the open doorway, then returns to the paperwork. Mr. Harris does the same, respecting the boundary while keeping the household within hearing distance.
Caleb
There’s no wrong choice, hero. We can keep it simple, and you can change your mind if the evening feels different later.
Have a mutually comfortable evening with Caleb