hapter 347
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Ashley looked away. The game demanded teamwork. She stood in the middle, rotating the band in sync with her teammates. Sam, holding onto her shirt, followed her rhythm, utterly delighted. Seeing Chase filming them, she laughed, “Daddy!”
Chase stood slightly ahead. Ashley noticed him, but focused on the game. After Sam’s comment, Chase’s voice reached her.“Don’t look around. Keep up with your mom’s pace.”
“Okay,” Sam giggled.
backing
up
game
ended quickly.
When filming them earlier, Ashley had stood still. But Chase, as he filmed them now, moved with
as they advanced. The progress,
fun! Can we play again sometime?” ran to Chase.“Daddy, that was
their
Sam
“Okay,” Chase agreed.
Ashley retrieved her bag. A message notification sounded from her phone inside. She checked: it was a video from Chase. She didn’t open it, but Sam wanted to see it. Chase gave her the phone, then offered Ashley a bottle of water.
“Thank you,” she said, taking it. She was thirsty.
After taking a few sips, she heard Chase ask, “What’s the next game?*
She doubted he’d forgotten, but… she looked at the water bottle. She’d accepted his kindness. “Ant Race,” she replied.
