The only way it doesn't hurt

Part Six

As if sensing my gaze, he straightens up and looks over, his face lighting up with a warm smile. He's always been like that—genuine, easygoing. When he waves, I smile back, my heart lightening with the gesture.

"Amelia! Isla!" Callum calls out in his deep, friendly voice. "You're just in time! Come over for a quick chat?"

I glance down at Isla, who's already wiggling in my arms, eager to get down and run. She's always loved Callum. They've known each other since she could crawl, and despite the age difference, Callum's playful energy always seems to bring out the best in her.

"Let's go see Uncle Callum for a bit," I say, setting Isla down gently on the ground. Isla giggles, her little legs carrying her swiftly toward the gate separating our yards. I follow closely behind, smiling at how she always knows where to go.

"Hey there, kiddo," Callum says, crouching down to greet her. Isla immediately holds up a small flower she's picked from the garden, offering it to him with a bright smile.

"Pretty!" Isla exclaims, her baby language still adorably mismatched as she attempts to say "pretty" again, but it comes out sounding more like "pre-tee."

Callum chuckles, accepting the flower with an exaggerated look of awe. "Thank you, Isla. You're making my garden look better every day."

I laugh softly as I step into the garden, leaning against the wooden fence that divides our properties. The late afternoon sun casts a golden light over the scene, making everything feel soft, even more so in Callum's presence. I've always been grateful for his friendship. He's been a part of my life ever since I moved to Rosebury. Along with Maya, the three of us have spent countless hours talking about life, work, and the occasional silly thing that made us laugh.

"So, when did you get back?" I ask as I cross my arms, watching Isla and Callum interact. Isla is jumping around him, asking him to chase her, as he obliges with playful enthusiasm. His laughter is contagious, and soon Isla's giggles fill the air.

"Early this morning," Callum replies casually, his eyes lighting up with the excitement of a job well done. "Had to finish up a project in York. Some civil engineering stuff—nothing glamorous, but at least it's steady work. You know, the usual." He pauses and then raises an eyebrow, looking at me with a smirk. "But don't ask me about it unless you want to hear about foundation testing and structural calculations for the next hour."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "I think I'll pass on the lecture today. I still remember that one time you tried to explain how a building is designed, and I almost fell asleep on you."

"You don't appreciate the art of structural integrity!" he teases. "It's all about balance, Amelia. Everything in life is about balance."

I nod, humorlessly. "Tell me about it," I mutter, but Callum's too distracted with Isla, who's now trying to show him her little drawing again. Her tiny handprint art has become a constant in our house these days.

"You know, it's funny," Callum continues as he straightens up and brushes his hands on his jeans, "I've been traveling so much lately. I think I might actually be forgetting what it's like to stay put. But... it's good to be back in Rosebury. Feels like home."

I nod in agreement, but my thoughts wander, as they often do. There's something grounding about this town. Something steady. Yet, the upcoming gallery meeting, the illustrations, and my growing sense of opportunity stir a restlessness within me that I can't shake.

"You're a wanderer at heart, aren't you?" I ask him, half joking. "Can't seem to sit still for long."

He shrugs, a playful glint in his eyes. "Guess I'm just a man of the world, Amelia." He pauses for a second, a more serious look crossing his face. "But you? You've got everything you need right here, don't you? Family, work, friends... and this little one to keep you on your toes." He nods at Isla, who's still tugging at his sleeve, impatient for him to play.