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.

Irwin calmed down

silently by, his gaze unreadable

settled, Briony handed him a

for you, sweetheart. It's both an apology and your New Year's

lit up as soon

New Year's Eve? Why are you

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

already too focused on the gift to wonder

still remembered to remind Briony, "Mom, you promised

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

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

Briony replied quickly, not wanting to spend any

patting Irwin's head, "why don't we all go with Mom

put on his shoes, and ran over to grab

Briony: "..

11

irritation, her displeasure

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