Nina followed him upstairs.
She didn't remember agreeing to it. Didn't remember making a conscious decision. But there she was, walking beside Lucas, with Ethan glued to her side like a shadow that refused to let go.
His small hand clutched hers, fingers curled tightly, as if loosening his grip even a little might cause her to disappear. The warmth of his palm against hers felt both foreign and achingly familiar.
"Easy," she murmured softly, glancing down at him. Her voice came out gentler than she'd intended. "I'm not going anywhere."
He didn't answer. Just held on tighter. The silence between them spoke volumes, a child's fear wrapped in stubborn determination.
They reached the end of the hallway. Lucas pushed open a door. Nina stepped inside, and stopped.
"…oh."
