-- Grizelda --

I barely registered the slight buzz of the television as I sat on the couch. I had a book in my laps as I watched Leo play with his building blocks. He was unusually quiet today, though I didn't press him about it. He had these moments where he would just stare vacantly into space and be completely lost in his own little world. I had learned to let him come to me when he was ready.

"Mom," his voice cut through the silence.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I concentrated my gaze on him.

He placed a block carefully on top of his tower with more concentration than was...