Larson had been crashing at Curtis and Leanne's place for several months, and Curtis eventually stopped trying to kick him out because he discovered a new use for Larson. And it was babysitting. Betty, the new addition to the family, was quite intrigued by him.

She loved origami, a brain-teasing puzzle game that Leanne had taught her. After mastering it, Betty was eager to share her new skill, successfully teaching Curtis, the two nurses, Joy and Selina, on vacation, and Jennifer, who video-called every Friday evening.

Once everyone had learned, Betty's interest waned until Larson became her new pupil.

Visually uninterested, Larson botched it up three times, but Betty, finding a new challenge, patiently taught him until he got it right, whether he wanted to learn.

While Larson was in lessons reluctantly, Curtis would take Leanne out for a movie and a candlelit dinner or lay together in the backyard hammock, watching the sunset.

After Larson's dad left the hospital, he flew to Boston. Perhaps due to Curtis' influence, the father and son's meeting was surprisingly peaceful.

For someone's sake, Larson acted the dutiful son, and his dad, seeing his compliance, unfroze his credit cards.

Even after moving back to his renovated apartment, Larson would still pop by Curtis' for a free meal, each time ending up as the default babysitter. Despite that, he always found a sense of peaceful relaxation there.

From early fall to the beginning of summer, the aura of "the world owes me" visibly diminished around him.

perhaps the world only

three years early, and Betty, three, was

attend a prestigious preschool back home, fulfilling

went to the airport to see them

Betty gave Larson a big hug. "I'm going home with Mommy and Daddy now. Uncle

was just being innocent or if she

escalator, bidding farewell to

was excited about going

she had spent

telling her that Stonebridge, with its beautiful gardens,

waving from

with Betty in his arms, Joy couldn't help but burst into

as

"You're finally back!"

are you talking about? We

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