Weaning
It’s vulnerability and comfort.
That’s the answer. Not. Not physical comfort, but more like…a safety sort of comfort. Like a teddy or something. Well…it’s gotten to be a physical comfort as well.
When she’s there, he feels together. Sane. Anchored. At home.
Charlie’s hands flex open and closed as he itches to come to her and snuggle up. No. He can do this. He’s gotta wean himself off of her more, so she can move around better. Get to her double-stacked timewarp classes. Sleep comfortably. Do…do anything.
Charlie watches Thandi walk by, absorbed in her reading. Don’t reach. Don’t touch. Don’t call out. She hasn’t even noticed. Good. Good.
He’s doing fine. She makes her way down the hall and around the corner. Gone. Just like that.
Poof.
Like magic.