Handled With Care

Everyone turned toward Dahlia with a guilty expression, feeling responsible for her being stirred awake. 

The poor woman needed all the rest she could muster. Yet, when they saw her gentle, loving smile… everyone's heart melted, and the guilt streamed out of them in a mellow torrent.

Bastion knelt by his grandmother's bedside, caressing her hand while looking into her eyes. She looked back at him for a moment, nothing but care and affection filling her eyes, and then her gaze lingered on Arthur, who waved nonstop like a broken doll stuck in one setting.

Seconds later, she looked at Kieran and Altair, two faces she didn't know, yet she could feel her grandson's bond with them, leading to her beckoning them with shaky hand gestures. 

Kieran was the first to lean, and Dahlia cradled his face, giving him a good, long view.