He chuckled, the low rumble reverberating through her. “There is no one like Kam.”

“She has always been like this,” Dad said. “Three hundred percent, go, go, go all day, then crash. I used to carry her up to bed almost every night when she was a girl.” He paused. “She looks so much like her mother. I sometimes wonder if that’s hard for her.” He sighed sadly. “She’s so beautiful, though.”

“She’s always been beautiful,” Rohan said. His voice was almost a whisper. “A complete handful, though.”

“Nonsense,” Dad said. “What would I do without Kamila?”

Both were silent for a while. Kamila knew she should really open her eyes. She was about to stretch her arms out, when Rohan spoke again. “I don’t like keeping things from her. I have reservations.”

“This will make her happy,” Dad said. “This is all for her, before anyone else.”

What? What were they talking about?

They were probably estate planning again. Or maybe Dad was agreeing to go part-time permanently even before the month was over. If so, why would they keep it from her?

“And for you,” Rohan said. “This will help your health problems. You need a break.” Oooh, maybe they were all going on a surprise trip. Kamila didn’t have time to speculate more, because Rohan was still talking. “How are you doing this week? Sleeping better?”

Dad’s voice was even quieter. “Some. It was good to see Shelina and the boys. They make me feel grounded.”

“More balance will be good for you.”

Dad snorted. “Balance. That’s what that shrink said to me. I need coping strategies, self-care, and acceptance. But there is no balance. It’s not possible. It’s all or nothing, this life, isn’t it? Be careful, Rohan. Don’t become me.”

No one said anything. Finally, Rohan spoke. “You know, Kamila was the first person to ever fall asleep on me.”

Kamila smiled as she slowly opened her eyes, stretching and yawning and sitting upright next to Rohan. “Aw, everyone left? I missed the final song of the movie. When did you get home, Dad?”

“Not long ago. You were asleep. I took a taxi.”

“Did you have a good trip?”

“Yes.” He stood and kissed her forehead. “I had a wonderful time. Your sister sends her love. I’m very tired now. Good night, beti.”

After Dad left, Rohan started to get up from the couch. Before he could leave, Kamila put her hand on his chest. “I slept through everyone leaving?”

“You were dead to the world.”

“Yeah, I was making the disaster momos until two. Was I really the first person to fall asleep on you?”

“You heard that? I thought you were asleep.”

“I heard that part.”