Mark managed to grab Gabe’s flailing arms and brought them into the child’s chest, applying deep pressure. Then he scooped Gabe up and drew him into his arms, holding him tight to his own chest, eventually maneuvering his son so that he was straddling his father’s lap, one leg on either side of Mark’s torso, Gabe’s arms pinned between their chests. His little boy’s moans slowly began to ebb, and his breathing grew deeper and less erratic.
