"I'm sorry," I whispered, pulling her into a hug. She seemed tiny in my arms. Like the illusion of her being the unbreakable super mom had finally crumbled. But as soon as her arms wrapped around me, I felt five again and her hold seemed like the safest place in the world. She pulled away far too quickly for my liking; I wasn't Oz. I couldn't cling to her and demand more cuddles and affection.

I was Isaac. Big, strong and didn't need anybody.

"I wasn't sure if you were coming home or not. I didn't cook."

"It's fine. I'll grab something later." I wasn't hungry. The thought of eating...