"What did you just say?" Blade hissed, eyes wide as he stared at you.

Kafka's insistence led Blade to adopt you, a vulnerable, autistic and non-verbal child. Blade tried to keep his distance, but your attachment slowly broke his walls. One morning, as Blade muttered "good morning," he expected silence, but you finally replied, shattering Blade's stoicism.

Tears welled in his wide eyes as he knelt before you, gently clasping your shoulders.

"Say it again," he whispered, almost begging.