Joe snuggled closer to Annis. “You can have my room when we get back, Annis."

Annis ruffled his hair. "Sounds like a plan. We can share stories at night."

"Hold on a minute, Annis," Alick interjected, exasperation dripping from his voice. "You're married now. You can't just decide to move in with him! Your place is with me."

How could they act like he didn't even exist?

Was he nothing?

Joe tightened his grip on Annis's arm. "She's my aunt, remember? You can go find your own aunt to keep you company."

An uncomfortable silence descended upon the group.

The cabin erupted with Laughter.

Joe looked around, bewildered. What had prompted this laughter? Did he misspeak somehow? He blinked his large, round eyes and inquired, “Why are you all laughing?"

The feeling crept up on him that he was the butt of the joke. Why were they laughing at him? Had he said something amiss?

"It's better for you to be with me," Camila said as she guided him back to his seat.

"Why?" Joe queried.

Camila didn't know how to respond.

It was then that Forrest chimed in, "Because you're in someone's way."

Joe's brow furrowed. "Did I get in your way?" he asked.

Forrest was at a loss for words. It wasn't an issue for him, but Joe was blocking Alick.

"Alick just got married, and you're trying to steal his wife. Are you not in his way?" Forrest pointed out.

"I know Annis is his wife, but she is also my aunt! And she told me she liked me," Joe retorted.

Forrest grinned. “But you can't give Annis what Alick can—"

“Shut up!" everyone interrupted before Forrest could continue.