Tiffany's vision blurred, tears clouding the edges of her sight as Yvienna's arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders, holding her with a comforting strength she hadn't realized she needed. She couldn't see Skyler clearly, only the faint motion of him running toward them, but she knew—she could feel it—his presence racing to her side. Spreading his little arms wide, he leapt forward, joining her best friend in a warm embrace, the pure innocence of a child's hug cutting straight through her heartbreak.
"Mom, do you want me to get you a cup of juice?"
She looked down at him, startled by his small, earnest hands as they wiped away her tears. A soft chuckle escaped her lips despite the ache in her chest.
"Aunt Divine taught me how to squeeze fresh oranges. Let me do it for you, Mom!" he insisted, his eyes shining with unwavering sincerity.
