Dinner wound down with the usual ritual—Luka insisting on more helpings, Natalia politely declining, and me accepting seconds because hey, free food.
"Movie night?" Luka suggested, collecting his and Kimiko's plates. "I think it's Natalia's turn to pick."
"Not another superhero movie," Natalia groaned.
"I'll help with the dishes," I offered, standing up and gathering the remaining plates.
Kimiko looked surprised but pleased. "Thank you, Satori."
Luka and Natalia migrated to the living room, their voices fading into a comfortable bickering over the movie selection. I could hear Natalia laughing—a sound that would've been unthinkable directed at her father a month ago. Amazing what a little sexual awakening could do for family dynamics.
The kitchen was quiet except for the gentle sloshing of water as Kimiko washed and I dried. The VHC invitation sat on the counter, its holographic display now deactivated but still somehow commanding attention even in its dormant state.
