A Glimmer of Hope

Jill knelt in front of Norman and he shifted his eyes slightly. He would not look directly at his mother. If she tried to hug him, he would scream like hell’s tormented souls. Even now, it was an icicle piercing her heart.

The box next to her rocked gently. Talking in a calm, quiet voice, Jill lifted out the small bundle of fur and placed the tiny rabbit on Norman’s lap. His eyes flickered but carried on their distant vigil. Jill held her breath. Her son’s hand twitched and then began stroking the rabbit. The icicle in her heart evaporated.