Chapter 84: The World Keeps You On Your Toes
The modified sedan bumped along the rough, uneven road, its tyres crunching against gravel and the occasional patch of dry grass. The interior of the vehicle was filled with a tense, heavy silence, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional murmur from Leo. Seated on Zara’s lap, Leo’s bright eyes darted from one person to the next, his small hands waving animatedly as he spoke.
"Do you know I can count all the way to ten now?" Leo announced proudly, his little chest puffed up with pride. Without waiting for an answer, he began, "One, two, three, four..." His small fingers ticked off each number, his gaze flicking between Winter, Zara, and Mike, searching for acknowledgement.
Mike grinned, leaning slightly toward the boy. "That’s impressive, Leo. You’re going to be a math genius in no time."
Leo beamed at the praise, his cheeks flushing with happiness. He twisted in Zara’s lap to face Winter, his next question tumbling out without hesitation. "Winter, did you hear me? I can count to ten! Wanna hear it again?"
Winter, seated stiffly beside Zara, managed a small smile, though his eyes remained on the road ahead. "I heard you, Leo. You did a great job."
Satisfied, Leo returned his attention to Mike, peppering him with questions about the various buttons and dials in the car. "What does this do? And what about that? Can you make it go beep?"
Mike, amused by the boy’s curiosity, played along, explaining each function with exaggerated gestures, drawing giggles from Leo. Zara smiled softly, her hand resting gently on Leo’s back as he squirmed with excitement.
Suddenly, the car lurched violently, a deep pothole sending it bouncing. Zara gasped as she was thrown sideways, her body colliding with Winter’s. His arms instinctively shot out, steadying her before she could hit the front seat. Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling in the confined space.
For a moment, time seemed to slow. Zara’s hand pressed against Winter’s chest, her breathing shallow. Winter’s gaze dropped to her, their faces inches apart. His hands lingered on Zara’s waist, eyes searching hers. Zara’s heart raced, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came.
"Why did the car jump like that?" Leo’s innocent voice starled them into reality. the little kid was smushed between them. "Mommy! you’re squishing me!" Zara and Winter quickly pulled away, the spell broken.
Zara straightened herself, cheeks flushed, while Winter turned his gaze back to the road, his jaw tightening.