Heron Lake Plateau We are old and our son took the dog away

Her embrace was not something he had expected, but he sank against her all the same when it happened. It occurred to him then, that maybe his life would always be this way. That people would always ask for details, and he would always have to recount things in order to justify himself to others — and it wasn't a thought he found comforting. It meant he'd have to relive bits and pieces over and over, and never fully escape from them.

At the very least she offered to help him. What could she do that would be different? Screech had tried to fit in to various roles — between here and the Sunspire, in Ravensblood, and even before that, when he'd reunited with his family after his escape. Each time proved futile. But if she was willing to try something he couldn't, he would let her. Having allies was a rare but welcome gift. Not knowing what to say next, Screech remained silent (letting her other questions fade in the air) and merely welcomed the contact and comfort she provided.