"Go call Howard over," Joshua Sulliven said, tilting his head to shave while he spoke.
Tristan Leaf nodded, slid off the stool, and ran into the bedroom. He dragged Classmate Howard Adams, who had just finished dressing and was sitting on the bed somewhat bewildered, out of bed. "Time to wash up."
Classmate Howard Adams blankly followed Tristan Leaf and couldn't help but speak in a soft voice, "Jack, I miss mum."
Tristan Leaf looked back at him with some surprise. Classmate Howard Adams had reddening eyes as he softly said, "Does mum not want me anymore?"
Tristan Leaf frowned, thought for a while, and responded, "If you behave, she'll come pick you up."
"Really?" Howard's eyes suddenly brightened a bit, but Tristan Leaf didn't bother with him further and instead pushed him in front of the washing room door before scampering off on his two short legs into Keira Leaf and Joshua Sulliven's bedroom.