The Umbrella Walk Home was quiet at first.
The rain had softened into a steady whisper by the time they all climbed down.
Mama James held one umbrella wide enough to shelter Juno, Lupi, and Kaylani, while Dr.
Mateo covered Solani and Kalen with the other.
The storm still grumbled overhead and lightning still lite up the sky in the distance but the worst of it had passed.
Juno walked close to her mother, Lupi’s carrier tucked safely against her chest. The kitten purred, the vibration grounding her more than she expected.
Mama James kept glancing down at her.
Not angry.
Not scolding.
Just… shaken.
“You scared me,” she finally said, voice low so the others wouldn’t hear. “Storm like this?
And that treehouse—Juno, it’s not safe.”
Juno swallowed "The storm was sudden, one minute we were straightening up the treehouse and the next- it was raining and the wind was blowing, we thought we could wait out the storm Mama."
“You trusted me to take Lupi to the vet. And to deliver the tarts. I made good choices today, Mama. I promise I did.”
Mama James exhaled, long and slow. “I know you’re growing up. I know you’re responsible.
But if something doesn’t look safe tomorrow—anything at all—you don’t go up there. You come home. Understood?”
Juno nodded. “Understood. And I’ll be careful. I promise.”
Mama James wasn’t fully convinced.
But she squeezed Juno’s shoulder, and that was enough.