Mikey was the first to get to the door. He slid off the sofa nimbly and ran to open the door. "Uncle...! Thank you!"

It was the takeout I had ordered.

I went to receive it. I closed the door again and patted Mikey's little head. "Are you missing Derek already?"

"Ah... no." Mikey shook his head. "I'm not missing him. I just want to be with Sophia. Sophia, can I sleep with you tonight?"

"We would need your uncle's permission for that."

I held his hand as we ...