Carol straightened slightly, clapping her hands together in a small, decisive motion as she shifted gears. "You should rest, Marco," she said. "Come on, I'll get everything done. You go rest."
Marco shook his head lightly, already reaching for another bag. "I couldn't possibly—"
"Marco!"
He stopped and slowly turned to face her.
"That's an order," she said, pointing toward the hallway like she was addressing a stubborn child instead of a man who could break bones without effort. "Get some rest. I'll make you something to eat."
"Yes, Ma," he said. He dipped his head slightly before stepping away from the kitchen.
A smile spread across her face as she leaned lightly against the counter. Who would have thought?
All those years ago…that that boy, small, thin, standing at the roadside like he didn't belong anywhere was finally this man.
Look at him. He had grown into something formidable. But to her? He was still that boy.
