Rhea’s POV
I cut the hug as I wipe his tears, my fingers brushing the wetness from the corner of his trembling eye. He tries to say a word, but his slightly bent mouth makes it hard for him to form the sound. His lips shake, his jaw moving slowly as if every muscle is struggling to obey him.
“G-gr… Rhea…” he forces out, the sound barely a breath.
“Yes, Grandfather,” I whisper, leaning closer so he doesn’t have to strain himself. “I’m right here.”
His chest rises sharply, and for a second I think the effort might hurt him, but then his voice comes fragile.
“I… I thought you would never… come back again,” he says.
The words hit me so hard I break again. My throat locks up and a sob slips out before I can stop it. I bend over him and wrap my arms around him again, holding him as gently
