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She was going to be okay I’d repeated that phrase inup It was my mantra today The scans would coain If all it took was sheer thought power onBecause I’d dedicated every spare thought and feeling to this outcolance, and then I shot out of my seat and went to the water cooler down the hall for what seemed like the twentieth time Peter was besideto be," I answered

He put a hand on my shoulder "You know you can talk to me whenever you need to"

I nodded

"Don’t try to be the strong, silent type here I know it’s your personality You’re just like your dad in that respect"

I shrugged and took a sip of water "If you say so"

"Adas much I know you and I have had so since you came to live under our roof but--I just need to say this As far as I’m concerned, you’re lad and fortunate to have been able to help raise you Your dad was hed "My dad was your only brother"

He grinned "Details But he wasn’t just my brother, he wasyou here, inhim still And I want you to know that I’m here for you If you ever need to talk or…for whatever"

I set the cup down and looked at him This eird Peter rarely talked to ood relationship but it never involved otHe was the father I never knew I smiled "Thanks I love you too" I reached out and clasped his shoulder

And toWeirder and weirder It was an aardJust when I deemed it appropriate to pull away, he turned his head and said quietly "She’s going to be okay"

My breath froze and I stepped back I looked away and nodded I wasn’t the only one fixated on that hope, that thought, apparently

An hour later, she came out, fully dressed She looked exhausted, with circles under her eyes, and I thought my eyes deceived me but she looked pale, too She immediately asked me for her compass back I pulled it out and slipped it over her head

Kiet some lunch but Emilia had quietly shaken her head and tucked herself underme to take her home