Mason remained silent for a few seconds before stepping down the last two stairs into the living room.

His father was absent. His grandparents sat on the loveseat, while his mother occupied the long couch in the center. Seated beside her were three people. Mason barely glanced at them.

He didn’t want to sit in the single armchair, so he leaned against the staircase instead.

Kate smiled apologetically, stood up, and pulled Mason over, settling him next ...