When Aidan’s friend says he needs to get home, we say goodbye to him and then it’s just the three of us. Aidan strums lightly, not seeming as interested now that he’s alone. “Did you learn that new song we talked about?” I ask him, breaking the silence. My breath is visible in the air. He grins and nods his head rapidly. “Another one?” Ruby asks, looking amazed and impressed by my son. “Can I hear it?” Aidan looks to me for permission. I had a slightly different plan, but this feels right. Just the three of us out by the lake, stars shining above us—and don’t tell Ruby I said this—but even the
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