The three emotionally packed individuals stood in the same position for a long time hugging. They were trying to get back… if not all but at least a little… the lost years and chances of hugging him. Cameron didn't try to pull away. He allowed them to hold him, the ache in his side and tightness in his throat proving that it was real… everything is real.
Finally, Alistair pulled back, followed by Eleanor, her hands cradling his face. Her tears were still falling, but still, there was a bright, disbelieving smile on her face. "Let me look at you. Just let me take a look." Her thumbs brushed his cheeks. "You're so thin. And you're hurt," she said, her smile faltering as her eyes, sharp with a mother's instinct, saw what the others had seen… the way he held himself carefully, the shadow of fatigue.
"It's nothing… Mom," he said, the word sound strange and unfamiliar, but it feels right on his tongue.
