webnovel

Chapter 59

I heard their footsteps down the hall as they turned the corner and emerged into my hallway

“Daddy!” Noah exclaimed when he caught sight of me.

He stopped in his tracks.

Come here, sweetie, I signed, which was awkward with the cast on my arm.

But he merely stood there, staring at me as if trying to decide whether I was real. Bill and Mama stood behind him, Bill ready to grab him if he started to make a scene.

Please?I signed. Daddy wants to hold you…

He walked forward slowly, stopped about two feet away, and reached out a hand to touch my chest. Then he touched my cast, his fingers very gentle and hesitant. His eyes welled with tears. I put my good arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. His body was stiff with fear. Eventually he put his head carefully on my chest and let himself be held, sobbing softly. I kissed the top of his head, stroked his hair. He keened a few times in the back of his throat, which sounded like a loud hum.