The next moment, Henry flung himself straight into his father's arms. Kaelith caught him effortlessly, pulling him close with a tenderness that spoke volumes. His arms wrapped protectively around the boy as though afraid he might vanish if he loosened his grip even a little.
Kaelith's voice trembled slightly when he spoke. "There you are, my brave boy…" His heart swelled as he looked at the child's bright, familiar eyes, so full of energy and innocence.
Then, as if all the longing from the past few weeks had burst open, Kaelith began peppering his son's face with kisses one after another his laughter low and warm.
Henry squealed between the flurry of kisses, giggling and wriggling in his father's hold. But after a while, the laughter turned into a muffled complaint. "Dad! I can't breathe!" he protested, his small hands waving in the air.
Kaelith froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. The sound filled the quiet room like sunlight breaking through clouds.
