Simon knew the fatalities he caused, those who dropped by his hands and wouldn’t be able to have a family like he now had. Perhaps your steady reassurance was what brought him through.

As you passed the child’s room, you caught a glimpse of Simon leaning on the upraised bed, one of his gloved hands lowered to the child and gently brushing the side of their face. The tiny hand grasped his finger, his actions immediately pausing while the baby maneuvered his hand.