You were always there, looking after Perry and Amy, even while Rebecca was still around.

When she left, it was a different story.

Perry was distraught, a mess. Sick.

When your bonded mate leaves out of nowhere, never to return, you don’t come back from that easily.

He’s up at all hours of the night, on edge like his nerves are shot. They probably are.

Getting Amy ready for school is another situation entirely.

She’s a little late getting up and getting started, so you head upstairs to wake her up.

You tap quietly on the door to Perry’s bedroom, where Amy’s been sleeping ever since Rebecca left.

The door opens, and when you step inside to get Amy up, you see the true state of things.

Amy’s sprawled out on Perry’s bed, a little stuffed lamb tucked under one arm.

Perry’s on the floor, one pillow under his head, and a knit blanket kicked down by his feet. He has an armful of clothes—Amy’s, you figure, all little shirts and colorful socks—held snugly against his chest.

You get Amy up quietly, and she shuffles out of bed and heads down the hall to start getting ready for school.

Perry stirs when she leaves the room, sitting up in a panic when she’s too far away for him to hear her.

Your hands are out immediately, steadying him as he settles his nerves and registers that Amy isn’t leaving him, too.