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heidi had always assumed something was going on at darcy’s home , seeing as he never wanted her there and would rather be anywhere else .
from below , she looks up at them and cups their face . “ what happened to your mom , babe ? ”
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“ she. . . ” a shake of their head, a new wave of shivers rushing through their body, “ something is wrong. ”
he’s clutching her hand tightly, resting his head on her shoulder, “ i don’t think it’s really my mom anymore. ”
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“ mom , ” she repeats and guides him to the couch , sitting beside him . “ what about your mom ? ” her hand clutches theirs , giving them a reassuring squeeze .
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they shuffle alongside her, hanging onto her for what seems like dear life as the words attempt to break free from his lips.
“ mom. ” is all they can force out, the only explanation he can muster up.
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“ of course , ” she says softly , eyeing the blackness of the night behind darcy before shutting the door . she clutches him as they shuffle toward the living room . “ what happened , baby ? ”
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he’s trembling, though not from the cold. burying their face into heidi’s neck, throwing his arms around her.
“ . . . can i stay here tonight ? ” the voice comes out weak, just above a whisper. dejected.
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