Chapter 51

In the dark, private silence, safety washed over them, and the dizzy glee crowded back in from the coloured explosions of a new year.

Momentarily, Tav forgot.

* * * *

Luca was drifting.

He was caught between soft sheets and a softer mattress. There was a band of heat under his back, and a gentle weight across his waist keeping him anchored. The air was too cool around his face, and it moved like a caress against his skin when something creaked.

The bedroom door. Mamma Lau―Mrs. Pretty’s voice.

“Yes, Alessa, they’re both here.” Mrs. Pretty had a gentle voice when she whispered. She was usually shouting for one of her kids, much like Mamma, but it was a soothing whisper now, and Luca curled his fingers contentedly into the sheets. Tav’s room. Tav’s bed. Tav, he decided sleepily when the bands of heat shifted slightly. “Of course. He’s fine to stay here if he has, don’t worry about him. You enjoy your day!”