That night, the apartment felt too small for three people and one narrow bed.
Lila had complained loudly about hearing "disgusting romance noises" if Alex stayed over, which earned her a pillow thrown directly at her face from Leo before she disappeared into her room laughing.
Their mother had smiled at the sound.
That soft, tired smile she wore more often lately.
The kind that made Leo pause without understanding why.
Later, after the dishes were washed and the television volume lowered, Leo pushed open his bedroom door with a sigh.
Alex stood near the bed looking deeply unimpressed.
"That thing is illegal."
Leo snorted. "You survived luxury hotels but my bed is where you draw the line?"
"It's the size."
"It's called being poor."
Alex looked at the tiny mattress again, then at Leo.
"…We're absolutely falling off this thing."
"We?"
"You think I'm letting you sleep alone after you spent twenty minutes clinging to me on the couch?"
