Michaela
Gabriel was ecstatic at having Gavin stay with us, immediately dragging him by the hand to draw pictures together; I wished I could match his excitement. But even with my apprehension, Gavin’s presence was a relief. I’d grown so used to having him next door, always being able to pop over to chat or to share a meal.
And before that, when I was taking my first stumbling steps into the human world, he’d been a constant, supportive presence. I’d stayed with him those first few months as I found my feet, as he’d tended to my injuries and even paid for my prenatal appointments.
Now it was my turn to tend to him. I’d noticed him wincing with occasional pain as we put Gabriel to bed – my son had insisted on having Uncle Gavin read his bedtime story tonight, and wanted a good-night k
