Chapter 34Ben got a good look at the hulking Ukrainian stranger outside his front door just before ducking behind the one to the bathroom to console the hulking Ukrainian he sort of knew. He started with a hug, like before. Iggy said…something. Ben had no idea what. But the anxiety and sadness in his voice didn’t need translation.
“You’re safe,” Ben told him. “Kat is getting rid of your dad.” Ben gently guided Iggy down to sit on the closed commode. “We’re all alone now.” The bathroom was tiny. He practically sat on Iggy’s lap. “Sorry.”
The AC vent in there wasn’t doing its job. It was also stuffy and hot.
“Phew.” When Iggy started sobbing into his hands, Ben did settle there on his knee, and that got Iggy to look up. “Shh.” He tried to quiet and comfort his new friend with an embrace a
