Irwin's little body went stiff with fear, then his lower lip began to tremble and, in an instant, tears spilled down his cheeks.

"Dad, why are you being mean to me? It was Mom who lied to me... sob, sob... Mom has changed, and now you have too..."

Stewart's brow was furrowed tight, his face growing even darker.

Watching this father and son, Briony felt a headache coming on.

Irwin was sobbing so hard it was almost painful to hear. If he kept this up, his asthma was bound to flare up.

Briony's heart softened. With a sigh, she stepped forward and scooped Irwin up from the bed, holding him gently in her arms.

The moment she picked him up, Irwin clung tightly to her.

"I'm sorry, Mom, I didn't mean to yell at you... sob... I was just so scared you didn't want me anymore..."

Holding Irwin close, Briony felt a complicated mix of emotions.

She spoke to him softly, soothing him with gentle words.

down in

silently by, his gaze

Irwin had settled, Briony handed him a

an apology and your New Year's present for this

up as soon as he took the

me my New Year's gift on New Year's Eve? Why are you

just said, “I figured I'd give it to you now, since I already bought

okay." Irwin was already too focused on the gift

but still remembered to remind Briony, "Mom, you promised you'd make me

course," Briony replied, standing up and glancing at Stewart. "I'm going to the grocery store to pick up a few things.

come with you," Stewart said. "I've got nothing else

to spend any extra time

head, "why don't we all go with Mom to

toy, hopped off the bed, put on his shoes, and

Briony: "..

11

look of irritation, her displeasure

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