The evening was quiet in Will and Nico's home, a rare moment of peace. They were lounging on the couch, lost in conversation while the TV played in the background. At their feet, Ezikiel—barely a year old—was happily stacking blocks, unaware of anything but the bright colors and the sound of laughter around.

Will was a doctor and Nico was a therapist.

As the couple talked, Ezikiel suddenly paused, a tightness creeping into the tiny neck. The blocks fell from Ezikiel ’s hands, but the others were too absorbed in their conversation to notice. Ezikiel's neck was ticking a few times.

Will, mid-sentence, glanced down, his instincts kicking in. Something felt off. He saw Ezikiel sitting too still, the little chest rising and falling in a panic, her neck ticking, letting out a few random sounds, like tics. it had happened a fair few times before.

“Ezikiel?” he called softly, reaching down to pick Ezikiel up. The moment he held Ezikiel close, he felt the tiny body trembling slightly. Panic flashed through him, but he kept his voice calm. “Easy, I’ve got you.”

Nico fell silent, concern washing over them as they watched. Will held Ezikiel close, rubbing their tiny back in slow circles, trying to figure out what was wrong.