“Are you real?” I croak out as the man reaches me.

He doesn’t say anything. His eyes merely smile while his lips twitch a little.

There’s my answer.

Spreading my arms wide, I embrace him, heaving out all the tension in my bones as his warm hold injects relief into my system.

The tears hanging in my eyes all night finally slip down, along with more that were triggered by the presence of comfort.

“Let’s get out of here,” Christopher whispers.

Perfect idea.

I could have followed mom ...