"Do you still feel like watching the movie?" Thaddeus asked as he shrugged his trench coat off, hanging it on the coat rack as he passed by.
"If you want to," Billy said as he came in behind him, shifting his bags to one arm as he looked down the hallway.
"The washing machine's that way, just past the bathroom," Thaddeus reminded him, and the boy headed off. The man made for the living room, rolling his sleeves up as he walked. Plucking up the DVD from its spot on the couch, he opened it and popped the movie out as he reached for the remote. Flicking the TV on, he inserted the disc and lowered the volume as the previews began to play. Thaddeus considered the screen, then turned and made his way to the window. He undid the drapes, letting them close, and the room plunged into darkness. Much better, the man thought to himself.
Thaddeus turned back to the screen, pressing the disc menu button. He heard the low thump of the washer starting, and looked up as Billy came back out. "Ready?" he asked, and the boy nodded. Thaddeus sat down on the couch, Billy joining him. The boy shifted a touch, careful to keep his eyes fixed on the screen as he slowly edged closer to the man. Pretending not to notice, Thaddeus took the remote and pressed play. As the movie started, the boy leaning forward to watch, the man finally let himself smile. Everything was perfect.