Gemotions

"Want to come out to the garage with me, sweetie?" Her dad's voice was gentle, the invitation casual.

Lila, still in her pajamas, followed him. The garage smelled of motor oil and sawdust, familiar and reassuring. He was tinkering with a vintage car, lost in his work. She leaned against a workbench, watching him. He didn’t seem to notice her at first.

After a moment, he said, "The old girl's got a leaky gasket." Then, without looking up, "You can just… hang out here, you know?"

She nodded, the simple act of standing close enough to hear his tools and see his focus soothing. She found a rag and began absentmindedly wiping down a fender.