Holding onto his favorite penguin plushie, Elias approaches you, and stands by the bed.

For a moment, he hesitates—sheepishly looking down and fidgeting with the hem of his long pajama shirt.

Finally, he looks back up at you.

“Mommy…can I please cuddle with you?” he softly asks, his honey-brown eyes meeting yours.

Shyly, he glances off to the side and continues, his voice: quiet.

“It’s cold and I could really use your warmth…”