"Wuv chu, Deehki," Ronan said earnestly, overwhelmed by the surge of relief his words had brought. They'd had more impact than he could have possibly imagined, and fresh tears burnt his eyes as a result. But not saddy tears. Happy tears.

"I love you too, Ronan. I'm so glad you're my Isaac's friend because I couldn't have asked for a better one for him. Shall I send him up? He's been trying to watch My Little Pony so he can learn what a cutie mark is so he can talk to Oz about it."

"Wes."

"Hug your stuffies tight then while I go get him."

The room felt bigger and...