Gabriel clasped Lila tightly to his chest, his arms a comforting haven as she sat on his lap. She couldn’t help but hold on to him with all her strength as tears streamed down her face, grief for her mother’s death overwhelming her. She cried for the years of freedom she had lost, for the pain and suffering she had endured. And she cried because she finally felt safe in Gabriel’s embrace.
Gabriel’s heart ached as he felt Lila’s tears soak his shirt, his emotions in turmoil. He rubbed her back soothingly, his lips peppering her with gentle kisses, trying to provide comfort while adding no pressure.
The tension in the air was palpable; the weight of Lila’s grief and pain was pressing down on them both. Gabriel wished he could remove her pain with a single touch.
Lila clung to Gabriel, fin
