Dad smiled and passed around a basket of sliced challah before he led us in singing the hamotzi. I wondered if Oren’s family had normally done the blessing over the bread before meals. Jared seemed to know the words. Oren, of course, said nothing.

Mom and Dad talked more than usual during the meal, mostly about our upcoming camping trip. I suspected they were trying to keep the conversation light. Oren and Jared gobbled up the second helpings Mom dished onto their plates.

Oren seemed interested in the talk about the trip. More than he had been about the idea of going VR gaming.

“Do you like camping?” I asked him.

His eyes went wide, and all of a sudden he seemed panicked. I didn’t know what that was about, but I decided not to press him. I’d give him the space he needed. At least, I would try.

“I don’t think Oren’s ever been camping,” Jared said with a smile. “Have you?”

Oren shook his head and looked down at his plate. Something was going on, but whatever it was, Jared didn’t seem to be in on it. Trying to stick with my new vow, I didn’t push.

Instead I told them about Danielle and how she and her family were traveling around in their big RV. I even described the inside of the RV so they could picture the bunks and the kitchen and everything. I would have told them all about the bathroom too, but Mom said that was enough and that they got the idea.

At the end of the meal, Jared pushed his chair back from the table and patted his full belly. “That was exceptional,” he said. “Honestly, the best comfort food I’ve had in a very long time.”

Oren nodded, which made me happy.

“Thank you so much,” Jared continued. “Both for looking after Oren this afternoon and for this.” He waved down at his empty plate. “I…it’s been a bit of a challenge now that shiva’s over and I’m back at work and…” He darted a glance at Oren and sighed. “I’ve been on my own for a long time, and I’m not much of a cook. Having this—a normal meal with a family—means more than you know. To both of us, I think.”

I looked over at Oren, but he’d dropped his head, and all I could see was his hair falling forward over his eyes. He’d done a good job of cleaning his plate, but maybe the reminder that he’d never have a family dinner with his family ever again had just hit him.

“Evie,” Mom said. “Why don’t you take Oren upstairs to see your paper project?”

WHAT? No!

After his reaction to my craft project, the last thing I wanted to do was show Oren my quilling stuff.

I was about to protest, but Mom glared at me. “Evie, please,” she said. “Give us a minute. We’ll call you when it’s time for dessert.” Her voice made it clear—it was time for grown-up talk. I was about to ask if she was going to kick Nate out too, but he muttered something about his favorite game and then disappeared.