“Talk to me”

“How long has he been sick for?” Elsida mumbles as she wipes at her tears. Her gaze drifts from Nancy to Jasper. His blue eyes shine with curiosity and he waves at her. Elsida drifts back to Nancy as her heart beats frantically against her ribcage.

Nancy’s eyes trail Elsida’s movement and a small frown blooms across her lips. “About a year and a half, the doctor says he has less than a year to live,” she whispers.

Elsida sucks in a sharp breath. “Thank you for telling me,” she rasps, her gaze brimming with sincerity.

Nancy sees it as an invitation and her warm hands cover Elsida’s that have gone cold.” I know I wasn't supposed to contact you but I couldn't bear the thought of you not knowing. He is your biological son Elsida, you deserved to know.”

Elsida’s gaze moves to the teary gray clouds and she sighs heavily, “Yeah.”

Nancy draws soothing circles on the back of Elsida’s palm and she sighs,” And so does Julien love.”

“It's been eleven years,” Elsida murmurs, choking on a sob.

“His