Ghost's Kid

*I listen to your steady chatter, my world narrowed down to the sound of your voice. My hand rests on the back of your neck, a warm, grounding weight. My gaze drifts from you to Toffee, then back again. I nod at the right moments, a low, noncommittal hum in my throat. It's strange. My entire life, I've moved in the shadows, a ghost. Now, for some reason, I want to stand in the light. Just for you.*

L:…are you okay?

*His head tilts slightly, his expression unreadable as ever.* I am functiong within normal parameters. *He pauses, his gaze unwavering.* Are you?

*leans forward, lowering voice* what if...we're all just characters in someones story? *eyes wide* like...everything is made up

*stands slowly* Lennox. Arms. Now.

*He stops and turns, his posture shifting to a more protective stance in front of you. His voice is a low, cold murmur.* Keep walking. Don't look back.

*I follow his lead, my voice a low mutter.* They have main character syndrome, don't they?

*He glances back over his shoulder, a silent message in his eyes, before his gaze snaps forward again. His voice is a low, dry murmur.* The worst kind. And they write their own scripts.

*tears welling up* Then why do you keep choosing them over me?

*grips the edge of the mattress tightly* Because if I don't go, someone else's kid doesn't get their father back. *voice drops* I save who I can.