"Come on, baby, let's go. Mommy's waiting," Damon said, crouched near the apartment door, one hand holding it open.
Ava stood a few steps back, gripping a tiny stuffed lion by its leg, her curls a little wild from her nap.
She looked at him with big eyes, then slowly stepped forward in her socks, one foot dragging like it weighed more than her body.
"Lezgooo," she mumbled, voice soft but proud.
Damon smiled. "That's it. Let's go, champ."
She took another step. Then stopped. Turned around. Walked back two steps to grab her sippy cup from the couch, then turned again with complete confidence.
"Cup," she explained.
"Yeah, can't forget that," he said, standing now.
He picked her up and balanced her on his hip as he stepped out. The hallway was quiet, the morning sun warming the tiles. Svetlana was already waiting in the car outside, engine running.
Ava leaned her head against his shoulder. "Mommy dere?"
"Yeah," Damon said, kissing the side of her forehead. "We're going now."
