Chapter 28 - The Rainy Night Again
One year after Toby entered St. Andrews unconscious, rain covered the city.
Elijah drove past the emergency entrance with Toby in the back seat.
Toby recognized it.
“That’s where Dr. Naomi saved me.”
“Yes.”
“Were you scared?”
“More scared than I knew a person could be.”
“Did you cry?”
“Yes.”
Toby smiled.
“I don’t remember.”
“I do.”
They stopped at Naomi’s apartment for dinner.
She had invited them.
That alone felt significant.
During the meal, Toby spilled juice.
Elijah reached for a towel.
Naomi did too.
Their hands touched.
Neither pulled away immediately.
Toby noticed.
Children always noticed.
After he fell asleep on Naomi’s couch, Elijah stood near the window.
“I am not asking you for anything.”
Naomi joined him.
“That sounds like something people say before asking.”
He smiled.
“I wanted to say I am sorry without expecting forgiveness.”
“You have said it.”
“I know. I’m trying to live it.”
She looked at him.
“I believe you are trying.”
It was not love.
But it was no longer disbelief.
Rain tapped against the glass.
A year earlier, Elijah had carried Toby through storm doors begging Naomi to save him.
Now Toby slept safely nearby.
Naomi rested her hand briefly on Elijah’s arm.
May you like
He did not turn the gesture into a promise.
That restraint was part of the change.
