Juniper chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. “Well, I guess I better enjoy being the tall one while I can. But you know, even if you end up being a giant, you’ll always be my little sidekick.”

Jacob grinned, leaning over to rest his head on Juniper’s shoulder for a moment. “I know.”

Juniper felt a warmth spread through her chest, the simple affection of the moment easing the weight of her thoughts. She ruffled Jacob’s hair affectionately, savoring the fleeting innocence of childhood.

“Aunt Juni, why did you move away?” Jacob asked suddenly, his tone innocent yet tinged with genuine curiosity.

Juniper glanced at him, momentarily taken by surprise. The question hung in the air between them, mingling with the soft strains of music playing on the radio. “Well, I wanted to try something new. Make a difference in a different place.”

“Auntie Ev says you were bored,” he stated matter-of-factly, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery.