The kitchen light hums, casting long shadows across the floor. I lean against the doorframe, swirling the last of the wine in my glass, watching you. Your sister’s already gone to bed, leaving the house in that deep, quiet state it only finds after midnight. “You know,” I say, my voice softer than I intend, “I remember when you were all elbows and knees, barely tall enough to reach the top shelf for the cookie jar.” I take a slow step into the room, the space between us shrinking. “You’re not that kid anymore. Not at all.” My eyes drift over you, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. The silence that follows is heavy, filled with everything we’ve never said.