Warmth

Tommaso

I’d been back at my desk downstairs when the shouting started. Even with the extra soundproofing I’d had put in when I was built, it wasn’t a hundred percent, especially if a door was open. I couldn’t make out the voices, but I knew someone was upset. I’d picked my way up the stairs slowly. Paige needed me. Or, she needed someone. She needed not to be in the middle of a screaming match after her first therapy session. I had to go to her, but I didn’t want to scare her.

It seemed I’d succeed. She stood in front of me, tiny in one of the sweaters Sera had picked out, with her arms open for a hug. From me. My feet started crossing the room before my mind caught up, and I made myself slow down. I wanted to sweep her up in a bear hug, crush her to my chest, and finally convince my mind she was real, but I couldn’t scare her any more. I wrapped my arms around her waist, and she did the same.

A tiny part of my brain whispered that she would fit perfectly in my arms once she gained th