The First Glader

25

They reached the edge of the gardens, where Alby was directing a couple of the younger boys. He was all quiet authority—shoulders straight, voice calm, posture steady in that way that made others stand taller around him. When he saw Ada and Newt, his expression softened.

"There you two are," Alby said. "Thought Newt was supposed to be resting."

"I'm fine," Newt said.

Alby raised a brow. "Your limp says otherwise."

"Limp always says otherwise," Newt muttered.

Ada stepped between them before they slipped into their usual bickering. "I asked him to walk with me."

Newt blinked, glancing at her with surprise that she'd take the blame. Alby paused too—just long enough to read her face.

Something unspoken passed through his eyes. Concern. Understanding. And something quieter—gratitude.

"Well," Alby said, shifting his weight, "if it keeps him out of Clint's hair, I suppose I can't argue."

Newt scoffed. "You argue with everything."

"Only when I'm right." Alby crossed his arms. "Which is always."

Ada hid a smile as Newt rolled his eyes dramatically.

She moved toward the garden rows, brushing her fingers over the leaves to check their health. Newt followed more slowly, Alby falling into step behind them like a silent anchor.

"You're both hovering," Ada said.

"We're not hovering," Alby said.

"You're absolutely hovering," Newt added.

Alby glared at him. "You're limping worse than yesterday."

"And you're fussing worse than a mother hen."

Ada snorted before she could stop herself.

Newt beamed, triumphant. Alby looked offended.

"I do not fuss."

"You fuss," Ada said.

"That's rude," Alby said flatly.

"But true," she replied.

Alby huffed, crossing his arms again. "I do what needs doing."

Ada looked up from her inspection of the plants. "I know. That's why you're second."

Alby's jaw shifted at that—pride and the weight of responsibility mixing behind his eyes. He wasn't used to being named as something important. Not out loud.

Newt lowered himself carefully onto a nearby crate, rubbing his leg. "Oi, Ada, come here a sec."

She walked over, crouching beside him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He nudged her shoulder gently. "Just checking you're alright."

"I'm fine."

"You always say that," Alby said from behind them.

Ada narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you both teaming up on me now?"

"Yes," Newt said cheerfully.

"Absolutely," Alby confirmed.

Ada shoved Newt lightly. "You're pushy for someone who can't outrun me."

"Could still outsmart you," he said.

"You wish."

Alby leaned against the shed wall, arms still crossed. "You should've taken a break today. You didn't sleep."