Bertie gently placed a hand upon his shoulder. “One day,” he whispered into his ear, “you’ll forget that you’re supposed to be scared.” He did not know how possible that was. Karl would certainly find solace in their home together, but out in the world, that was a different matter. There would always be fear popping up somewhere at any time. He knew Karl knew this. But his words seemed to calm him nonetheless. Perhaps he knew that while he could never have eternity, he could at least have moments.
