Dinner that night was loud.Too loud.At the table, Toby chattered between mouthfuls, words tumbling out faster than he could chew, his fork waving around like a tiny conductor’s baton. Leo, perched in his high chair, banged his spoon against the tray in a steady rhythm, letting out little chuckles each time it clanged.Half the food he tried to get into his mouth ended up on the napkin—or the floor, or his shirt—but he didn’t seem to care. He just kept scooping, banging, and laughing, as if the mess itself was part of the fun.“Bang! Bang!” Toby soon joined in, singing after him.“Toby,” Piper said, “don’t encourage him.”“I’m not,” Toby replied, immediately tapping the table twice. “See? Different sound.”Leo squealed with delight, jumping in his seat. “Bang!”Thomas rubbed his temple, exaggerating a groan. “You’re both fired.”“From what?” Toby asked, tilting his head and squinting up at him.“From my sanity.” Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to adjust himself with the
Last Updated : 2026-01-17 Read more