The moment his mother stepped out of the crowd of spectators Atheline stepped forward to receive her.
This was the first time he had ever seen his mother let go of her image. She has always been proper outside unlike at home but this time it broke his heart seeing the worry in her eyes.
"My son..."
Her voice broke as she reached him, her trembling hands touching him everywhere. Face, shoulders as though trying to confirm she was alive.
"You're..." she let out a long exhale her eyes scanning him frantically, " you're not hurt.... are you hurt?"
Atheline glanced at Lily, who was glaring down at him. Their eyes met for a few seconds something flashing between them before he turned his attention back to his mother.
"I'm fine," he said softly while steadying her roaming hands," I'm here, nothing happened see."
That was all it took, her face scrunched up as she tried to hold back her tears. She pulls him into a tight embrace as though the world would steal him from her again.
