"Yes, honey," Evelyn said with a smile. "I need to meet the new barista today. You can play with Granny while Mommy is working."
Oliver's little grin lit up the room like sunshine, but it faded just as quickly when he slid into his chair at the dining table.
She placed a golden waffle in front of him, carefully topped with blueberry jam. But instead of his usual excitement, Oliver poked at it with his fork before looking up at her.
"Mommy?"
"Yes?" Evelyn, slightly puzzled, noticed his gloom. "Why do you look so down? Are you tired of blueberry waffles? Do you want eggs and hash browns instead?"
"No, Mommy... Waffles are delicious. I like it..." He smiled and finally picked up his fork to cut into the waffle. "It's not about the food. I feel worried… about Granny."
"Worried?" she asked softly. "Why, baby?"
Oliver chewed slowly, then looked up at her with eyes too sad, too wise for his age. "If we move to Daddy's house… Granny will be all alone here."
