Episode 74: Mother, Sister, Something Else

They misunderstand my role.

Often.

Teacher.

Authority figure.

Cold.

They’re not wrong.

Just incomplete.

I watch Beckett across the room.

Careful.

Quiet.

Still observing everything.

The same as always.

And yet—

Not the same.

He eats properly now.

Rests.

Pauses when needed.

Because I required it.

Because he accepted it.

“…You dote on him,” Monica says beside me.

“…I guide him,” I reply.

“…You care for him.”

Pause.

“…Yes.”

“…Like a mother?”

“…No.”

“…Like a sister?”

“…Not exactly.”

Silence.

“…Then what?” she asks.

I watch him for a moment longer.

Then—

“…Something more precise.”

Monica smiles faintly.

“…Of course.”

Across the room, Beckett looks at me.

I tilt my head slightly.

“…Come here,” I say.

He does.

Immediately.

And as he stands beside me—

Calm. Grounded.

Everything aligns exactly as it should.