Theo, used to this reaction, shrugged it off. “Look, we’ll just head back to the orphanage. Just don’t tell Tate—he’s gonna get all upset if he knows.”

DJ’s expression softened with empathy. “Wait, does Tate even know why?”

Theo shrugged. “Nah, I don’t think he gets it. Every time we get sent back, it’s always ‘too much work,’ or ‘too difficult to deal with.’”

DJ’s heart ached. “Theo, I’m not sendin’ y’all back. You don’t gotta worry about that.”

Theo gave DJ a hard look, clearly skeptical. “Come on, man, don’t pretend. This is where you tell us it’s too much and then drive us back to the orphanage. Seen it before.”

“Send you back? Over some tags and shoes? Man, that’s just who he is. Ain’t no reason to give up on somebody,” DJ said, firmly but gently.

Theo blinked, caught off guard. “But… this doesn’t feel right. You’re supposed to be telling me and Tate to pack up by now.”

DJ knelt down to Theo’s level, speaking softly but sincerely. “People really gave up on you and Tate over that?”

Theo’s jaw tightened, and he crossed his arms, clearly keeping his guard up. “Yeah, it’s always the same. It’s too much for them.”

DJ placed a hand on Theo’s shoulder. “I ain’t them. Y’all are stayin’ here. You're not going anywhere.”

Theo didn’t react right away, his face remaining neutral. “Yeah, well… don’t say anything to Tate. He doesn’t need to know all this. He’ll get his hopes up.”

DJ nodded, understanding. “I hear you. But trust me, you two are good here.”

Without responding, Theo turned and headed for his room, his emotions tightly locked behind a wall. DJ watched him go, his heart heavy with what the boys must’ve gone through. “Man… what have they been through?” he muttered.

Just then, Deonte’s small voice interrupted. “DJ, we done!”

“Huh?” DJ turned to see Deonte and Tate, both standing in the hallway, naked, wet, and shivering.

“Hey, you can’t be out here like that! You’ll catch a cold,” DJ said, rushing over with two towels and wrapping them around the boys.

“We were waitin’ for you, but you took a long time. We thought you forgot,” Tate said, his teeth chattering.

DJ sighed, wrapping the towel snugly around the two boys. “Sorry, bud. I was just talkin’ to Theo. Didn’t mean to take so long.”

“It’s okay. We’re all clean now,” Tate said with a small smile.

“Good, but go get dressed before you freeze,” DJ gently urged.

“Okay!” Tate replied, hurrying off to their room.

Deonte yawned as DJ scooped him up. “Think it’s bedtime for you, little man.”

“But… wanna pway with Tat moe, DJ,” Deonte mumbled, struggling to keep his eyes open.

“You can play tomorrow. Right now, let’s get you into your pajamas,” DJ said, carrying the sleepy toddler to his

Meanwhile, in their shared room, Theo lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, deep in thought. He was only wearing pajama pants, his gaze distant.

Tate noted his brother’s faraway look. “Whatcha doin’, Theo?”

“Just thinking, Tate.”

“ 'Bout what? Is it girls?” Tate teased, knowing how Theo usually reacted.

But this time, Theo just shook his head. “Nah, nothing like that. I don’t wanna date anybody.”

“Oh.” Tate seemed momentarily stumped. “Then what are you thinking about?”

Theo hesitated, then shook his head again. “It’s nothin’ important... but since you’re askin’... what do you think of DJ?”

“He’s super nice! Not like those other people who tried to take us,” Tate said, his face lighting up.

Theo frowned. “Yeah, he’s nice. Maybe too nice. Makes me wonder if he’s one of those sickos who act all sweet to get close to kids.”

Tate looked confused, then shook his head. “Nah, DJ’s just good. He’s got Deonte here, and Deonte’s fine. He wouldn’t hurt us.”

Theo sighed, rubbing his face. “Maybe. I dunno. I’m just sayin’, I’m gonna keep an eye on him.”

Tate hopped into bed, looking at his brother with a yawn. “I don’t know, Theo. I got a good feelin’ about him. Feels like this time’s different.”

Theo turned his back to Tate, staring at the wall. “We’ll see. I’ll believe it when it happens.”

Tate curled up, his eyes fluttering closed. “Night, Theo…”

“Night, Tate,” Theo murmured, but he turned slightly to watch his younger brother, keeping an eye out like always, but also trying to let the steady rhythm of Tate’s breathing lull him into sleep. He knew he couldn’t let his guard down, but watching Tate safe and sound helped, even if just a little.