Thornston Estate…
"When is Mummy coming back?"
Gabriel's lower lip trembled as he hugged his stuffed cat to his chest. Gabriel had liked stuffed animals a lot, but after he started missing his Mama Shelby so much, he resorted to picking one of the stuffed animals in his room, and it had become his permanent friend.
He was never seen without it. Gabriel derived some comfort from holding the fluffy soft animals… the kind that his Mama had readily given. The only missing thing was her warmth, though.
His voice came out in a soft, wobbly whisper that twisted everyone's heart at once.
"When is Mum coming back? I know she said that she would tell me if she -"
Gabriel sighed, his head drooping.
The room went still. Geneva's eyes flicked up, blinking back tears she wouldn't shed for anyone. Her daughter-in-law was different, though. Shelby was not on that 'anyone's' list. For her, Geneva knew that he would gladly do anything! Alex swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight.
