He yanked it back down. Instantly.
It was such a quick movement that I barely noticed it. One second his wrist was showing. The next second, it wasn’t.
But Emma noticed.
“Are you cold?” she asked him.
“No. Why?”
“You’re always wearing that sweatshirt.”
Tyler shrugged. He tore off a piece of bread.
“I like it.”
Daniel passed him the bowl of salad.
“Nothing wrong with that,” he said easily. “I’ve had the same flannel shirt since 1998. Ask Mrs. Miller.”
“He has,” I said. “It has holes in both elbows.”
“Character,” Daniel said.
Jacob laughed. Tyler smiled a little.
And we kept eating.
A few minutes later, Daniel turned to Emma.
“Hey, Em. What happened with that art assignment you were telling me about?”
“The portrait?”
“Yeah. Who’d you pick?”
Emma explained to Tyler. For her art class, everybody had to draw a portrait of someone important to them. In pencil. Life-size face.
“Who are you drawing?” Tyler asked her.
“My mom, probably.”
“Well, that’s brave,” Daniel said.
I raised one eyebrow at him.
“Excuse me?”
“You know how much she hates having her picture taken,” Daniel said to Emma.
“Only because you always take them when I’m chewing,” I said.
Emma laughed. Jacob laughed. Even Tyler laughed.
Daniel smiled. Then he turned to Emma. And his voice got a little softer.
“Did your mom ever tell you why she hated having her picture taken? Back when we first met?”
My fork stopped halfway to my mouth.
I knew exactly where he was going.
And I realized, sitting there with lasagna on my fork, that this was the whole reason for the dinner. The lasagna. The cookies. All of it.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.