I'm no saint, but I'll take you to your knees.

Slowly.. carefully.. he lifted his chin, eyes scanning her eyes and lips for an answer that he didn't have to hear.

The tearing started almost immediately, he knew... She knew he was too young to need this, but she couldn't bring herself to lie to him.

His chest felt like it was going to explode, he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of emotional distress, but most of all, he was confused.

What could she say? She sat there and tried to hold him in her arms, torn between just holding and trying to comfort with words. Every once in a while he'd let out a screech and twist himself out of her stronghold. It was more of a restraint than a safety.

So he's the man of the house now... That's what dad said anyway...

"Protect them, more than I could."