Methis Delis POV

I felt a pang of guilt and sadness. They looked so grown up, and yet so vulnerable. I wished I could hug them and tell them how much I loved them, but I knew they might not welcome my touch. I had to earn their trust first, and show them that she cared.

I decided to start with the boy, who seemed more willing to talk. I noticed that he had a book on the coffee table, and picked it up.

"Are you reading this?" I asked, holding up the book. It was a science fiction novel, with a picture of a spaceship on the cover.

He...