-Blake West:
I sat quietly on the edge of my bed, still clutching that wooden chocolate box to my chest when I heard the soft knock.
I knew it was him. Uncle. He mentioned going to get some napkins.
He stepped inside carefully, as if afraid to disturb me. His face held that mix of concern and gentleness only he knew how to wear. Without a word, he walked toward me.
Then, slowly, he pulled out his napkin from his pocket.
Before I could even react, he crouched down in front of me and, like I was five years old again, started wiping the smudges of chocolate from the corners of my mouth.
I blinked at him, surprised, but the touch… the simple, careful way he cleaned my face… made something inside me relax.
I smiled. Not forced. Not awkward. Just warm.
I let him do it, watching silently as he focused like he was cleaning something precious.
