He should’ve known that would be Silvio’s reply. He said ‘you’re coming to live with me.’ Live. Not ‘stay’ or ‘visit.’ Simon couldn’t help smiling just a little when Silvio gave him that look. It felt good to be welcomed and wanted in this space. It may not be what Simon’s used to, but it felt warm and lived in – very unlike his own home.

“Okay,” he answered, that faint smile audible in the single word.

Simon toddled off to the bedroom to find a clean pair of pants, jeans, and a t-shirt. He could’ve gone out in his sweatpants, but he wanted to sleep in them one more night before discarding them as ‘dirty.’ If he went out wandering in the woods with them, he might not be able to do that. He tugged some socks out and made his way to the door, shoes in hand.

“I’m ready when you are.”