SOLANA
Nigel nursed the glass of water I'd given him a few minutes ago. We were all seated in Roman's study with the door wide open. He'd insisted on it. Apparently, he wanted to make sure no one could eavesdrop. His hands were shaking so badly, Roman had to take the water from him and place it on the desk. Then he handed him what looked like a stress ball. I watched as a flash of surprise crossed his features, and even his shoulders seemed to loosen.
"Remember how you used to give it to me whenever I was fussing?" Roman asked, and a smile touched Nigel's lips.
He blinked several times as though he was trying so hard to hold back his tears.
"It's okay, Nigel. We'll wait for you. You don't have to push yourself too hard," I said to him, and he nodded, lowering his gaze.
Slowly, he rele
