125

Nerthus

Arawn slowly opens the wrapped paper slung around the gift, making my heartbeat pick up its pace, the air in my lungs diminishing. I watch him silently as he opens it fully, clasping the frame with both his hands as he studies it.

“Aaaaaaw!” Danny shouts, getting me to tear my eyes away from Arawn still staring at my gift. “Is this us in Coney Island?”

I nod, my eyes jumping between an absent Arawn and an excited Danny. “Yeah, I had my favorite photo we took enlarged a little bit and framed. So, we could all have a nice souvenir of the day. I thought-”

My nervous rambling gets interrupted by Arawn standing up and leaving the room without saying anything. I gulp hard, pushing the painful knot down my throat with difficulty.

“What is happening?” Danny asks, and I shake my head slowly.

“I don’t know, baby. But don’t worry, I’ll go check on him.” I say while standing up myself. Forcing up a smile, I caress his chin encouragingly. “Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s about work.”

Danny nods