memory’s so treacherous
Finn doesn't realise he's bitten the inside of his cheek until he tastes iron in his mouth, and he swallows hard and reaches out to gently usher his son to the side, guiding him away from the stream of people coming out of the Tower. When he does speak he manages it without shouting (even though he wants to scream it) and with a voice that's warm and calm and steady, but equally as firm as any parent's. Leaning down before Ever, the snow is going to soak through the knee of his pants, but he doesn't care.
"Listen to me, okay? This is very important," he says softly. "Your discomfort is never less important than someone else's disappointment. When it comes to what you feel comfortable doing, it doesn't matter if you are rude. I know there are rules we usually follow when it comes to other people, but this is allowed to break all of those rules, Ever. I promise. You will never get in trouble for it with your mom or with me. You can say no, and you should say no if you don't want to do something. Do you understand?"
Stormy eyes hold the boy's up until the gift is presented, and Finn tilts his head down at the bracelet. He also finds it pretty, but it doesn't change the thread of this conversation. "Well... what would make you feel comfortable? You could write a thank you note, or return the gift if you don't want it."
"Listen to me, okay? This is very important," he says softly. "Your discomfort is never less important than someone else's disappointment. When it comes to what you feel comfortable doing, it doesn't matter if you are rude. I know there are rules we usually follow when it comes to other people, but this is allowed to break all of those rules, Ever. I promise. You will never get in trouble for it with your mom or with me. You can say no, and you should say no if you don't want to do something. Do you understand?"
Stormy eyes hold the boy's up until the gift is presented, and Finn tilts his head down at the bracelet. He also finds it pretty, but it doesn't change the thread of this conversation. "Well... what would make you feel comfortable? You could write a thank you note, or return the gift if you don't want it."
one moment you’re lost in a carnival of delights
the next, it leads you somewhere you don’t want to go
FINN
