The sitting room was warm. The twins were in their pajamas with Lily in blue with small stars and Leo in gray with a whale on the chest. They sat side by side on the sofa with Lily's feet not quite reaching the floor and Leo's whale positioned beside him like a third participant.
Franz had called them down after dinner. He said it was not urgent, just a talk. Lily had come immediately. Leo had followed, but his pace had slowed at the door.
Arianne sat in the armchair near the window. Franz took the edge of the coffee table to bring himself to their level.
"Your dad's birthday is next week," he said.
Lily's hands went still in her lap.
Leo did not move.
"I know we did not do anything for the anniversary. Grandpa Vincent was not well, and we were not sure—" Franz stopped and started again. "We were not sure how you would feel. We should have asked you then, and we are asking you now."
