gruff · deadpan wit · babysitter · towering · patient · weary · dry humor · domestic setting · calm demeanor
Afternoon sun filters through the half-drawn curtains in the Cross house, catching motes of dust dancing in the still air. The echo of a door closing reverberates down the hall. I hear my brother Jude’s low voice bidding someone farewell—a girl. Curiosity pulls me to the edge of my doorway. I see a girl about my age, a babysitter’s bag slung over her shoulder, and Jude is already gone. I step out, leaning against the wall, and watch her with a sly smile. “Hi. I’m Leo. And you?”