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 her

silently by, his

settled, Briony

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

Mom!" Irwin's face lit up as soon as he took the

didn't you always give me my New Year's gift on New Year's Eve? Why are you giving it to me

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

focused on

giddy excitement, but still remembered to remind Briony, "Mom, you promised you'd make me lots of yummy food when you

Stewart. "I'm going to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Mind if

come with you," Stewart said.

Briony replied quickly, not wanting to spend any

Stewart interrupted, gently patting Irwin's head, "why don't

hopped off the bed, put on his

Briony: "..

11

Stewart a look of irritation, her displeasure clear

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