Avice sat on the side of the bed, a small smile on her since the first time in awhile. She sighed, her eyes still looked concerned.
Avice leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Hey Aubrey," she said, her voice soft. "It's so good to see you.. I missed you so much."
She laughed warmly, picking her up. "Not as long as it was last time you saw me, huh?" her voice was a murmur. "I'm sorry."
Her hands rested on her cheekbones and she grinned, revealing a few pearly white baby teeth. “Perg,” she said, patting Avice. “Bopefet.”
The baby cooed again, patting her face before her eyes landed on Jack. “Da,” she called, reaching for him.
She looked up at Jack. There was still a smile on her face, but her eyes didn't show it. "Da..? I think she wants you, Jack."
He watched them, his expression impossible to read. Sadness, for sure. Frustration. There was something else, though. Longing, maybe. He walked over slowly and opened his arms expectantly.
The baby rested her head on his shoulder, sucking on her fist and Jack bounced her slightly, his gaze shifting to Avice.
His eyes searched her face almost hungrily before he finally broke their gaze, looking back down at Aubrey. “She needs to eat,” he said quietly, starting for the door.
