69. Big Brother

Tanner and Avla worked side by side in the kitchen, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables creating a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Tanner glanced at Avla, the question on his mind finally spilling out. "Are you worried about all this... about Avery and me?"

Avla stopped chopping for a moment, looking up with a puzzled expression. "Worried? No, not at all," she replied confidently. Her gaze softened as she leaned on the counter, facing Tanner. "Your story here isn't that different from mine and Gideon's. You're fortunate, really. Gideon spent many long years grappling with similar feelings. And he did it essentially alone. You have support here."

She picked up the knife again, her movements deliberate. "I'm not scared, Tanner, because I've seen how things turned out with Gideon and me. I know you will navigate this with the same care and respect. These situations, as complex as they are, have a way of resolving themselves when there's understanding and patience."

Tanner absorb