CATRIONA

I shifted him gently in my arms, brushing a soft kiss over his temple. “Abriel,” I whispered, “can you look at me?”

His only response was to tighten his grip on me, burying his face deeper into my chest like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go.

“Alright,” I said softly, cupping the back of his head. “You don’t want to talk, that’s okay. Let’s sleep. We’ll talk in the morning, okay?”

He didn’t answer. But his small body slowly relaxed into mine.

It didn’t take long before his breathing evened out, his lashes still wet from earlier. Still clutching Mr. Patches, his favourite bear, like it...