Noah smiled bitterly in response.

He took the opportunity to check on the kids when Gladys went away to make breakfast. The morning sunlight shone into the bedroom. Both of them were sleeping soundly.

Holly loved sleeping on her back, but Lorian was accustomed to holding something in his embrace when he slept. It used to be a pillow, but he had a younger sister now. So, he was very content to hold her in his sleep.

Noah sat by the side of the bed.

Reaching out, he brushed the kids’ cheeks. They were warm, pure, and free from the clutches of the real world.

Lorian held his sister tightly.

Holly smacked her lips a little. It seemed like she wanted to drink milk, but her brother was holding onto her. That made her feel so comfortable that she slipped right back into her slumber.

Noah saw it and almost cried.

Then, he left the room. Pulling out a cigarette, he fiddled with it, but he didn’t light it.

…

Gladys made him some pizza.

It was homemade and looked downright deli