The next morning, in the guest room, Reggie stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he stirred up from his sleep. For a moment, he lay still, listening to the gentle chorus of birdsong outside and the distant rustle of leaves in the morning breeze.
With a soft groan, he pushed himself up. The recent happenings played through his mind as he dressed – the worry etched deep in Blake's face, and the bittersweet joy of spending time with Celena. As he buttoned his shirt, Reggie's gaze fell on a crayon drawing taped to the wall – depicting a man holding the hand of a little girl and standing beside a woman laid peacefully on a bed.
'A family picture drawn by Celena', Reggie thought.
A lump formed in his throat as he thought about leaving them.
The aroma of fresh coffee drew him to the kitchen, where he found Blake already up, staring absently into a steaming mug. "Morning," Reggie said softly, not wanting to startle his friend.
