"Fresco!" Apple's little arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him forward. He caught himself in time to keep from falling on his side. He jerked her toward him, guilt and relief at war when his brain accepted she was real. He cuddled her in his lap, holding her so tight she squirmed, but didn't ask to be released.

"Apple," he whispered around a surge of emotion threatening to eat him alive. "You're all right."

She leaned back and smiled at him, a crooked little thing, ...