Starting point

His parents' faces wore expressions of concern, and Zach, witnessing Nat's icy demeanor, felt an unfamiliar determination to thaw the coldness that gripped him. He reassured Nat's parents as they departed in a black SUV and then cautiously ventured into Nat's office, where he found him gazing out at the garden.

"Do you want to go outside?" Zach asked.

"How did you get inside?!" Nat demanded.

"You didn't lock the door."

"Get out," Nat muttered.

"I'm Zach, you already know that."

"You know my name."

"Yeah."

"I don't need a babysitter, so you can go home," Nat insisted.

"I can't leave you by yourself."

"Get out! Why are you even here?!"

"To take care of you."

"To take care of me?"

"Yep! Have you eaten?"

"That's none of your business."

"What do you want to eat?"

"I'm working!"

"No, you're not."

"I'll eat anything."

"Okay, I'll be back soon."

With purpose, Zach hurried to the kitchen, determined to bridge the gap between them. He prepared Nat's favorite dish, a simple yet tantalizing creation. Meanwhile, Nat, succumbing to the aromatic allure, found himself drawn downstairs to the dining room, ready to confront the unexpected presence of Zach in his life.