Chapter 38 - Crêpes (1/2)

For the little one, the evening must have been just as hard as it was for her. His eyes were swollen and reddish from crying. Carefully, she stroked his soft cheek. ”Morning.” She greeted him cheerfully, swallowing the lump of guilt in her throat.

She wanted to hit herself. She was too overwhelmed by her feelings, getting carried away and forgetting everything around her. She was such an idiot.

Adrien put his little arm around her waist and pressed his face against her chest.

The argument between her and Alexandre had startled Adrien, she could feel it, see in all his gestures.

Lily could imagine the argument roused the fear of losing someone else who was important to him. It had only been a few weeks since his parents' death.

One more reason for Lily, to be especially gentle with him. She was afraid that he would completely isolate himself from others, withdraw and not allow anyone to come too close. That's what Lily wanted to prevent. She wanted him to enjoy his life. She wanted to give him security. Adrien needed that more than anything else. So that he could get involved with others.

”Lily?”

”Yes, Adrien.”

The toddler hesitated, lifting the sleeves of his pajamas to his mouth. It took a long time for him to say something. ”Lily, you will not leave me?” Lily found anxiety in his eyes. She shook her head. ”I'll be always there for you.”

”And Alec?”

”Alec will always be there for you. We will always stay together. I'll promise!” Carefully, Lily rubbed his trembling back and Adrien pressed himself even deeper into Lily's embrace.

”It's alright, Adrien. I'll always hold you.” Lily whispered tenderly.

Lily did not know what was going through his mind. She felt anxiety. But she knew Adrien was a silent kid. That sometimes made it even harder for Lily. Often it was not easy for her to take on the role of a mother for Adrien. But she was trying her best to take care of him, but it was hard when he wouldn't tell her what he needed. Sometimes he didn't even point or gesture to anything and only clinging to her silently. Lily knew he needed time. The situation was just too extreme for such a small child to handle emotionally.