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“I know.”

“I mean it.”

“So do I.”

His brows pull together. “You already brought me food.”

“I did. That doesn’t mean I can’t provide you with other things.”

“But I’m your captive.”

“That you are, but only for now. Think of this part as us getting to know each other better.”

“Getting to know each other?” he repeats slowly, peeking up at me.

I nod. “Exactly.”

“So why would you buy me art supplies?”

I stare at him for a moment. He still doesn’t get it.

“This.” I tap the pad. “The ice cream. Whatever real supplies I get you later. This is me showing you I meant what I said.”

His expression remains uncertain. “About what?”

“Rewards.”

Understanding gradually moves through his face.

“I told you that if you make an effort, I’ll notice. If you follow the rules, you’ll earn more privileges and be rewarded. That doesn’t work if I make you wait three weeks before I prove I meant it.”

“Oh…” He looks back down at the ice cream, then at the notepad, tracing its edge with his finger. “I thought I’d have to do more.”

There’s something so bleakly sincere about the admission.

“More than what?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I don’t know.”

Of course he doesn’t, because that’s the problem.

Whatever rules Sherry created probably changed with her mood, so there was never any point where Kamden could know he’d finally done enough. Keep the house clean, but not like that. Give her money, but it isn’t enough. Be useful, invisible, grateful, easy, and maybe she’ll decide for a few hours that your existence isn’t an inconvenience.

I keep my voice firm and tell him, “You don’t have to perform miracles to earn something nice from me, Kamden. I mean it.”

He swallows. “Okay…” The word is cautious, but not disbelieving.

Progress.

I pick up the pen and offer it to him. “So. Will this embarrassing excuse for an art setup work until tomorrow?”

He looks at the pen, then at me. “Tomorrow?”

“I’m not making you use this shit any longer than necessary.”

“I’ve drawn on receipts before. It’s okay. These things will work.”

“So does sleeping on a floor. Doesn’t mean I’m putting you there.”