Chapter 118: In Another Life, I Would Be Your Son

RILEY

I nodded eagerly, scooting over to make room for him to sit on the edge of my mattress instead. The book was about a brave little wolf who went on adventures and learned important lessons about friendship and courage. Mr. Xenois had read it with different voices for each character, making me giggle despite the heaviness in my chest.

When he'd finished the story and closed the book, I'd looked at him carefully in the soft light from my lamp.

"Mr. Xenois?" I asked quietly.

"Yes?"

"Are you sad that I replaced Ollie?"

Mr. Xenois had looked confused, his...