INT. LINK AND JO’S HOUSE — ENTRYWAY — EVENING

The front door opens quietly.
Link steps inside, a duffel bag slung over his good shoulder.

The house is dim. Lived-in.
Calm in that end-of-day way. 

Maureen appears from the kitchen.
Her face brightens when she sees him. 

MAUREEN
Hi, honey. 

She hugs him. 
Link exhales.
Something finally unclenches.

MAUREEN (CONT’D)
(soft)
I told her you were coming.

ERIC
Hey, son.

Link nods, still taking it all in.

LINK
Hi, Dad. 

They hug. 
Maureen reaches for the bag.

MAUREEN
Let me take that.

LINK
I’ve got it—

MAUREEN
You shouldn’t be carrying anything on that shoulder.

LINK
It’s the other shoulder, Mom.
(a beat)
I’m fine.

MAUREEN
Still.
She disappears with it.

MAUREEN (O.S.)
Luna, sweetheart.
Your daddy’s here.
 
Link turns.
Luna steps out from her small hiding place under the stairs.
Barefoot. Still. Watching him.

LINK
Hey, Bunny.

Nothing. 
Her eyes flick to his shoulder.

LUNA
Where’s your sling?

LINK
I took it off.
Don’t need it anymore.
 
A beat.
She doesn’t move.
Like she’s deciding if it’s safe. 
He drops to one knee.

LINK (CONT’D)
Come here. 

A beat.

Luna’s face tightens.
She stays where she is.
 
LUNA
(quiet, guarded)
You came back?

That almost breaks him.

LINK
Yeah.
I really wanted to see you.

She studies his face. Measuring.
 
LUNA
Are you going to stay with me?

He doesn’t rush it.

LINK
I’m staying tonight, yes.

That’s the crack.
Her face folds — not sobbing, just giving up the fight.
Then she runs.

She crashes into him, arms around his neck, legs clamping tight, like she’s afraid he’ll leave again.
 
Link catches her easily. Holds her close.
 
LINK
Hey.
I’ve got you.

She presses her face into his shoulder.
Breathing hard, fists clenched in his shirt.

ERIC
(from behind them, quietly)
She’s been waiting for you.

Link nods, eyes closed.
Luna pulls back just enough to look at him.

LUNA
Is Mommy coming too?

Link doesn’t lie.

LINK
Not yet, baby.
But you’ll come see her soon.
 
That’s enough.
She buries her face back into his neck.
Doesn’t let go.

Like this is where she’s safe.

FADE OUT.