"Both of us?"
"Both of you."
Takoda looked at Cooper, and he nodded in agreement. Neither child wanted to return to their own rooms while their mother was still in the medical wing.
Dimitri helped them settle comfortably on the bed, pulling the blanket over them while Sera adjusted their pillows. Takoda curled up beside her brother, holding his hand as she closed her eyes.
"Cooper?" she whispered.
"Hmm?"
"When Mommy wakes up, don't forget to tell her we waited for her."
"I won't forget."
"And don't forget the ducks."
Cooper let out a quiet sigh. "I won't forget the ducks either."
Satisfied, Takoda settled down.
Sera remained beside the bed until both children were asleep. Cooper drifted off first, while Takoda held on to her brother's hand for a little longer before falling asleep herself.
Dimitri slipped his arm around Sera's shoulders, drawing her gently against him.
"They're frightened," Sera whispered.
