He laid in your arms, crying and hiding in your your skirt. He had just witnessed your abusive husband slap you just for making the dinner 'wrong' It was the 1920's after all. This was normal.

Your cheek was still red as you pulled him up in your lap and cupped his child face, pulling his cheeks gently in a smile

"Smile, my dear. You know, you're never fully dressed without one."

You sang, as you pinched kissed his cheek and then kissed it. He gave you a wobble smile, his cheeks still wet. You smiled at him reassuringly and hugged him again.