She pulled away, her hands on his shoulders. "They're kids, Sam. They look at a bad situation and they want something to blame. I'm right about this."
She gave him a small smile, her golden eyes locked on his. "I'm really glad you're here. And... you know, you laughed just then for the first time since I've seen you again, and it was lovely. Really."
He looked back down. "Thank you.. I.. It was the first time I've smiled in awhile. It was short-lived.
"Yeah, well," she said, glancing over at her shoulder, "they're brats. Sweet brats, but brats. If you want to go home, that's fine. But smile more. Okay?"
She rubbed his arm before pulling away as the young pixie flew to her shoulders. "Play tag with us, Eden?" Eden hesitated, looking at Sam.
