"No, not quite. Just gathering some thoughts, not wool," he said with a smile. "What's up, little man?"
Adir gave him a suspicious once-over, clearly not convinced he was fully back on Earth, but then straightened and announced with authority, "Well, today you have to help me with bath and bed. Come on. Move it, move it."
Adam sighed, the sound coming out more resigned than annoyed. He knew very well that Adir didn't really need help with either. The kid was fiercely independent—capable of brushing, bathing, and dressing for bed with minimal supervision. But Adam also knew exactly what this was: a well-planned diversion.
This was Melanie's tactic.