“It’s pouring. I figured this was easier.”

Carson appeared behind Tina, practically bouncing with excitement. “Bette! Are we still going to see the stars?”

“We absolutely are. The planetarium is even better on rainy days – it feels more like being in space.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

As they made their way to Bette’s car, Tina found herself hyperaware of the domestic intimacy of the moment. Bette helping Carson with his seatbelt, adjusting the rearview mirror to check on him, asking if the temperature was comfortable. It felt like a glimpse of the life they might have had.

“I brought some snacks,” Tina said, settling into the passenger seat. “I know how Carson gets when he’s hungry.”

“Good thinking. The planetarium café isn’t exactly gourmet.”

They drove through the rain-soaked streets of Manhattan, Carson chattering excitedly from the backseat about constellations and black holes. Bette answered his questions with the patience of someone who genuinely enjoyed his curiosity, and Tina found herself relaxing in a way she hadn’t in months.

“Bette,” Carson said as they pulled into the parking garage, “after we see the stars, can we get hot chocolate?”

“If it’s okay with your mom, sure.”

“Can we, Mom? Please?”

“Of course, baby.”

The planetarium show was everything Carson had hoped for and more. He sat between Bette and Tina in the darkened dome, his small hand occasionally reaching for one of theirs during particularly awe-inspiring moments. When the narrator explained how stars are born and die, Carson whispered, “Just like the dinosaurs, but longer.”

“Much longer,” Bette whispered back. “Stars live for billions of years.”

“That’s older than you, right Mom?”

Tina stifled a laugh. “Just a little bit older, yes.”

After the show, they found a small café near the museum. Carson colored on the activity placemat while the adults sipped coffee and watched the rain streak down the windows.

“This is nice,” Tina said quietly. “Peaceful.”

“It is.” Bette paused, then added carefully, “I’ve been thinking about what you said. About taking things day by day.”

“And?”

“I think I’m ready to try. Day by day, I mean.”

Tina felt her heart skip but kept her voice steady. “What does that look like for you?”

“Maybe regular visits with Carson. Maybe lunch or coffee sometimes, just the two of us. Maybe… letting myself believe that you’re here to stay.”