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“And his plant puns,” Charlie giggled as he eyed Alfie’s shirt.

“Plants have a sense of humor, too,” Alfie said, glancing down at his shirt, glad he hadn’t spilled his dinner on it.

As they ate, Charlie methodically worked his way down his list. Why do leaves change color in fall? How do bees make honey? What’s the biggest plant in the world?

Alfie answered the questions one by one, happy to pass on his knowledge. But happier still to see Charlie so animated.

Marion remained mostly quiet, occasionally adding a comment or gently reminding Charlie to eat between questions.It was as if she were content to simply sit there and enjoy the moment.

If Charlie is happy, then Marion is happy,his bear observed sagely.

Alfie understood that completely. Charlie’s happiness and wellbeing had become important to him, too.

As they finished the main course, Marion rose to clear their plates. “Who’s ready for dessert? I made apple crumble.”

“Me!” Charlie exclaimed, finally setting down his question sheet.

Marion returned with three bowls of warm crumble topped with vanilla ice cream that was already beginning to melt. As they dug in, the conversation shifted.

“Do you enjoy living in Bear Creek?” Charlie asked, this time without consulting his paper.

“I do,” Alfie replied, savoring the sweet-tart flavor of the apples. “I’ve lived here my whole life.”

“Have you ever seen a wolf or a bear?” Charlie asked, eyes wide with excitement.

Alfie nearly choked on his dessert but managed to swallow smoothly. “Yes, I have,” he answered truthfully, though not elaborating that he’d seen them primarily in mirrors and family gatherings.

When have you ever seen me in a mirror?his bear asked indignantly.

You know what I mean,Alfie answered.

“I would love to see a wolf and a bear,” Charlie said dreamily, scraping his spoon around his empty bowl.

Marion cleared her throat. “I think perhaps Alfie could give you some lessons on staying safe around wild animals. The mountains have plenty of wildlife.”

“I would love to,” Alfie agreed, grateful for the slight change in subject. “It’s important to know how to behave if you encounter them in the wild.”

Charlie opened his mouth, presumably to ask another question, but it transformed into a wide yawn instead.

“I think it’s time for bed,” Marion said, noting the drooping of Charlie’s eyelids.

“But I’m not tired,” Charlie protested, only to betray himself with another enormous yawn.

“Bedtime,” Marion repeated firmly. “You’ve had a big day. And you have school tomorrow.”

Charlie sighed dramatically but slid off his chair. He paused, looking hopefully at Alfie. “Would you come up and say goodnight?”

Alfie glanced at Marion and caught the moment of hesitation in her eyes before she nodded her consent.

“I’ll be right up,” Alfie promised as Charlie trudged from the room.

Together, Marion and Alfie cleared the table in companionable silence. Their hands brushed as they loaded the dishwasher, each touch sending a spark through him. The air between them felt charged with all the things they’d left unsaid, questions far more complex than Charlie’s innocent list.

“I’m ready!” Charlie called down the stairs.

“Shall I?” Alfie asked, wanting to make sure she was completely okay with it.

“Of course,” she replied, although there was a hesitant edge to her voice.