He flinched slightly, as though kindness hurt more than pain.
“Thank you,” I said.
His scarred face twisted.
“Please don’t.”
“I have to.”
He shook his head.
“I couldn’t leave him there. He talked about you both every day. He told me what Lily liked for breakfast. He told me about the time she colored the dog blue with sidewalk chalk. He carried one of her drawings in his vest.”
Marcus gave a weak laugh through his tears.
“She said the dog wanted to be a cloud.”
“I remember,” Julian replied.
Lily touched the scar on his cheek with one careful finger.
“Did it hurt?”
Julian looked at her.
“Yes.”
“Did Daddy help you?”
“He stayed with me.”
Marcus lowered his eyes.
“I thought he was going to die.”
Julian’s voice softened.
“He wouldn’t let me.”
The tension in Lily’s face eased. She leaned against Marcus’ chest but kept one hand on Julian’s sleeve.
