[ the girl’s words made her heart pinch in her chest and rise up her throat like the desire to shout or scream or sob but she swallowed it back. she was exhausted —— tired of crying; tired of hurting; tired of knowing the best person in her life was gone again.

Sharon hung her head in some form of silent apology and when Luz pointed out the bear, Sharon pulled it from her chest to look it over. It’s warm brown fur was a little matted from years of childhood hugs. A ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. ]

My parents got it for me when I was little. I thought he’d keep my bad dreams away. [ he didn’t but children create magical fantasies with their toys and Sharon had been no exception. She hugged it close again. ] Mom slept with it a lot here. I think it made her feel better sometimes.

[ her eyes began to burn with that familiar prickle of tears and Sharon turned towards the kitchen and shuffled in to busy herself getting the kettle on the stove. ]