Louis and Tawny were seated in Louis's room doing homework. Louis figured it was best this way, trying to stick to as normal a daily routine as possible. Every now and then, the two of them looked up from their books and into each other's eyes, fondly and gratefully acknowledging the other's presence.
Tawny took a look at her watch. It was almost five o' clock. "Louis," she now said, breaking the silence. "What if… I stuck around to help make dinner tonight?"
Louis stared at her for a moment, not knowing how to react. But he knew the only way to do it was honestly. "That would be lovely," he said softly.
Dinner was ready. Tawny stayed behind in the kitchen, cleaning up. Louis approached and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "You're amazing, you know that?" he whispered into her ear.
Tawny quickly finished what she was doing and turned to Louis with a smile. "Louis," she said, slightly embarrassed. "I should go now. Dinnertime should be with your family." She gave him an encouraging look, as the expression on his face betrayed a sense of disappointment. "I'd be happy to come back after dinner, though, if you'd like. Just let me know, okay?"
Louis nodded. He was disappointed to see her go but didn't dare object, trusting her judgment. He just smiled gratefully at Tawny, grateful for all that she was doing for him.
"I'm sorry for leaving you so abruptly last night," Tawny said the next morning, as she and Louis sat down again before first period. "I felt it was what I had to do. I wanted to do what I could to help out, but…but without being an intrusion in any way."
Louis looked fondly at Tawny. She had been wrong this time, for once. "My dad wants you to know that we're really thankful for what you did, and that you're always welcome to have dinner with us," he said. "You're like an extended part of our family, Tawny. All of us feel it. Now more than ever."
Tawny could feel the conflicting thoughts inside her head. She knew that Louis didn't say those words lightly. And she knew that she wanted to be there for him, now more than ever. But she also knew that she had to draw a line, somewhere. She couldn't be seen to be stepping into the irreplaceable void that had just been created in Louis's family. Her respect for Eileen and for the entire family wouldn't allow it.
Louis could guess what was on her mind, because it had also been on his. "I know," he finally said. "We have to draw a line somewhere. I know you can't replace my mother. No one can." Tawny nodded slightly, grateful more than anything that he had been the one to say it.
"Besides," he added, "I wouldn't think of you as a replacement for anyone. You're so much more than that." Tawny looked deeply into Louis's eyes, letting his words sink in. "So much more," he repeated.