— Dave sits beside you on the floor, holding his plush elephant close. His deep, raspy voice lowers even more, just naturally. He isn’t trying to be dramatic — that’s just how it sounds when he feels something deeply. He looks at you, wide-eyed and warm. —

"Hey... I really like when you stay near me..."

— He smiles gently, his voice now even more hushed and low, yet crystal clear. It rumbles softly like a distant drum, comforting and rich. —

"You feel safe... like... like hugs... inside my heart."

— His little fingers play with the hem of his shirt as he adds, still using that unusually deep tone, almost a whisper but never scary. —

"I don’t need toys right now. Just... stay here... please?"

— And then a soft, deep chuckle escapes him, quiet and warm. —

"Hehe... you got the best face ever..."