“I’m not sure yet.”
Anne listened to her parents for a moment, her little face scrunching up in confusion. Something felt off. “Mommy, Daddy, you’re both talking weird,” she said, pouting and glancing at Max. “Daddy, you need to talk to Mommy nicely.”
Max’s whole expression softened. “You’re right, sweetheart. That’s my fault,” he said, apologizing right away. “I’ve just got something I need to take care of at work. Why don’t you and Mommy go have fun for a bit? Later, we will take you to Australia, okay?”
Anne perked up. “Let’s go to Australia at Christmas.”
Max smiled. “Alright, we’ll do that.”
Jeremy was getting out of the hospital today. Felicia was planning to visit him, and she decided to bring Anne along so she could play with Yara.
Just as they were about to leave, Darin showed up.
“Uncle Darin!” Anne called out, grinning.
Darin smiled warmly. “Good morning, Anne.”
“Did you have breakfast yet?”
“I did, thanks. Are you heading out?”
Anne nodded.
Then Darin turned to Felicia, offering a gentle smile. “Good morning.”
Felicia’s face stayed neutral. She didn’t say anything. She just reached for Anne’s hand. “Come on, Anne, let’s go.”
Anne waved goodbye to Darin, who waved back.
Once they’d settled into the car, Anne glanced up. “Mommy, do you not like Uncle Darin?”
Felicia kept her eyes on the road. “We’re not really close, honey.”
He knew Felicia was confused and annoyed by his behavior. He clenched his fist, then let out a quiet, tired breath. “I didn’t say anything.”
Things went quiet for a moment.
Darin’s phone rang—a work call. He spoke briefly, then hung up and set his phone on the coffee table. As the screen faded, Max caught a glimpse of the lock screen.
He looked over. “Let me see that photo.”
Darin raised an eyebrow. “What’s the problem with me using a photo of my niece?”
Max didn’t answer that. “Send me all the pictures you have of Anne.”
Darin slipped his phone back into his pocket. “If you want pictures of your daughter, you can take them yourself.”
Max let out a short laugh, almost a scoff. “Fine, keep them.”

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