Clara?" The voice was gentle and careful.
It was Margaret.
Clara froze, unsure what to say. Her eyes darted toward the sleeping boy, then to the door.
Margaret spoke again, her tone motherly, almost pleading.
"It's me, dear. I've brought you both something to eat. You haven't eaten all day."
Clara hesitated, then slowly rose and walked to the door and opened it, just a crack. Margaret stood there holding a tray.
"Axiel is asleep." Clara said as she carefully opened the door.
"I know you probably don't want to see any of us right now," Margaret said softly. "But he'll wake up soon..and he'll be hungry."
Clara's throat tightened. She didn't have the strength to argue, and she agreed with Margaret..Axiel needed to eat something. She nodded once, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Margaret."
Margaret gave a small, understanding smile. "Axiel is such a good boy, Clara. And he loves you very much." She said as she handed Clara the tray.
