Rolan raised his brow, then smiled subtly before letting Rose go. His eyes drifted to Tobi, who was looking at him with curiosity. He couldn't help himself—he walked past Rose before she could react and went to Tobi, leaning down beside him.
"Hey, little boy, did you brush your teeth?" he asked.
Tobi hesitated.
"Do you like me, uncle? Do you like me?" Rolan asked again, gesturing toward his chest.
Tobi stared at him for a moment, then gave a small nod.
Rolan smiled, rubbing the boy's head. "Would you like to rest with uncle?" he asked again.
Tobi blinked, then shook his head, instinctively taking a step back as if guarding himself.
Rose watched all of this, her eyes wide. Rolan was speaking easily with Tobi, and, to her shock, Tobi was responding—he wasn't rejecting Rolan.
Her son… Rose's heart felt like it would crash.