Byron wasn't surprised. Will was usually quiet and only answered seriously occasionally. He stood with his arms crossed, watching his son attempt the claw machine. Fifteen minutes passed, and the boy hadn't won a single toy. His face was dark with frustration; he didn't even deserve a consolation prize. A smile flashed across Byron's eyes. "Give me a coin," he said.

"Exchange it for money," Theo said coldly, with an air of indifference.

Byron opened his wallet and took out a bill. "The coins in your hand are now mine."

Theo was silent. He handed over the coins.

Byron inserted a coin and asked calmly, "Which one do you want?"

Theo pointed at a rabbit holding a drink. His mother liked that drink, so he wanted to win it for her. He was usually excellent at games, but utterly hopeless with the claw machine.

He glanced at Byron, who stood with his hand on the joystick, exuding the same commanding presence he had in the boardroom. Theo muttered, "Talent is inherited. If I'm bad at this, no way my cheap dad isn't."

Half a minute later, Byron had won the rabbit. "What else do you want?" he asked.

Theo pointed at a blue plush toy buried underneath. Within a minute, Byron won that too. Five minutes later, the coins were gone, and Theo's arms were full of prizes. The dolls' strange expressions made the expressionless Theo look like an angry pufferfish. I don't understand. Isn't this genetic? he thought.

"What else do you want to play?" Byron touched Theo's hair. "I'll accompany you." Perhaps the house was usually too quiet, and his work kept him from spending time with Will, so he didn't know Theo had this hobby.

Theo frowned suspiciously. It was strange. His father had called him "Will" and acted familiar. He must have mistaken me for someone else. Could "Will" be a child from another woman? What kind of father can't recognize his own son? Theo's eyes darted around mischievously.

In the room, Maeve was about to call for ice when someone knocked. Will stood outside, wearing a black hoodie similar to Theo's, his cap backward, and a silver cross. He looked cool, but his face was faintly flushed and nervous. He handed Maeve ointment and ice. "For you," he said.

Maeve was surprised. "Darling, how did you know I sprained my ankle?"

Wasn't he at the arcade? she wondered.

"I saw it," Will said. He'd seen her get helped into the elevator and noticed her swollen ankle. He'd asked the receptionist for the supplies. Maeve was touched and nuzzled his face. "My son is the most considerate. I love you!"

Will, unaccustomed to such closeness, stood stiffly. Fortunately, Maeve's injury distracted her. He helped her to the sofa. Her ankle was red and swollen. Will, expressionless, fetched a towel and sat by her feet. He'd sprained his ankle before and knew how to treat it, applying cold compresses first. Maeve realized her injuries always upset him. His seriousness made her hold her breath.

Seeing his focused care, Maeve laughed. "Darling, don't be so serious. I'm scared!"

Will lowered his eyes. "I've told you, you're not my mommy."

Maeve was embarrassed. I'm expelled every time I'm injured. Will I ever dare get hurt again?

"Let me see your waist injury," Will said, raising his head.

"It's healed," Maeve replied.

"Let me see," Will insisted. Maeve reluctantly showed him the bruise. When he saw it, he looked anxious.

Maeve felt uneasy at his long silence. His lips were pursed, his expression aggrieved and angry. "Darling, it doesn't hurt anymore," she said nervously.

Will said, "Adults always say they're fine, but if it hurts, it hurts. Why hide it?"

Maeve was stunned. What's happened to my child?

"I don't like this," Will said, calmer now. "Don't lie to me again." His eyes were slightly wet. "Okay?"

Maeve's heart melted. She hugged him and kissed his face. "My darling treats me so well. I promise not to lie."

Will's cheeks flushed. He wanted to leave her arms but couldn't bear to. She's not my mom. But if I had one, she might not be any better.

He hesitantly hugged her back, quickly pulling away, as if afraid she'd notice. Just this once. I'll pretend.

(The final "0 COMM" is removed as it's meaningless.)