65. Child

Gideon and Avla walked side by side, accompanying the social worker and Avery to their car. The atmosphere was thick with a sense of newly formed bonds, punctuated by lingering questions and unspoken anxieties. The social worker parked far away from where Tanner was waiting, a fact for which Gideon was silently grateful.

As they reached the social worker's car, she looked earnestly at both of them. "You can call anytime if you have questions or concerns. We're always here to help."

"Thank you," Avla said warmly, her eyes on Avery, who was now safely tucked in the car seat, looking out the window with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

The car engine roared to life, and as it pulled away, Gideon felt Avla's gaze turn to him. Her eyes were like open books, filled with emotion, complexity, and a sense of seeking, as if she were trying to read something in his face.

"What's going on, Gideon? I can tell something is bothering you," she said, her voice tinged with concern.

Gideon