Friday morning arrived with deceptive normalcy.
Asher woke at 6 AM to find Lily already awake, sitting on his bed and watching him with those thoughtful eyes that were too observant for a five-year-old.
"Morning, sweetheart. How long have you been sitting there?"
"A little while. You were making worried sounds in your sleep."
Asher's chest tightened. "Was I?"
"Uh-huh. The same sounds you made when the mean lady came and asked all those questions." Lily crawled closer and put her small hand on his cheek. "Are you scared about something again?"
"Just work stuff, baby. Nothing for you to worry about."
"Grand-fer says worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."
Despite everything, Asher smiled. "Your grand-fer is very wise."
"He also says you worry too much and need to trust that things will work out."
"Does he now?"
"Mmhmm. And I think he's right. You worry a lot, Fer-daddy."
