Chapter 2
Harry woke up with a start. He turned to look at the digital alarm clock on the bedside table next to him. It was 2 o'clock in the morning. Harry had been jolted awake by the muffled sobs that came from Tom's room. He got up from a bind and rushed to the child's room. When he entered, he had seen Tom sweating, tangled in the sheets and writhing in pain.
But something seemed different that night. Harry saw that Tom was restless and moaning. He straightened up and put a hand on Tom's shoulder. "Tom, how are you?" he whispered softly. But Tom turned and continued to moan. Harry sat up on the bed and began rubbing Tom's back gently, trying to comfort him.
"Tom?" he called softly. "Tom, wake up, it's me, Harry."
But Tom didn't answer. He kept moaning and crying, his face crusty with pain. Harry then understood that he was having a nightmare. He took the child in his arms and began rocking him gently.
"It's me, Tom, I'm here. It's okay. You're safe," he said in a reassuring voice.
After a few minutes, Tom opened his eyes. He started crying when he saw Harry. "Harry, I was having a nightmare. You left and left me," Tom said in a shaky voice. Gradually, Tom's sobs had diminished in intensity and he had finally calmed down. He had opened his eyes and looked at Harry dazedly.
"Dad ?" he said in a trembling voice.
"Yes, it's me, Tom," Harry replied with a smile. "You had a nightmare, but now everything is fine."
Tom had looked around, bewildered. Then he realized that Harry was there, that he was safe. He then burst into tears and grabbed Harry with all his might.
"Don't leave me, dad," he moaned. "Never leave me alone."
Harry approached Tom and took his hand. "Oh my little Tom, I'm here, I'll never leave. I'm here for you, you have nothing to fear," he said, stroking her hair.
Tom looks at Harry with teary eyes. "I don't want you to go, Harry. I want you to stay with me," he said sobbing.
Harry understood that Tom needed comfort, so he hugged him even tighter.
"I will never leave you alone, Tom," he had promised. "I will always be there for you, no matter what."
Tom then lifted his head and looked Harry straight in the eye.
Harry leaned over and hugged Tom. He felt Tom's body tremble against his. "I'm here, Tom. I'll never leave. You're safe with me," he said softly.
Tom gradually calmed down in Harry's arms. He snuggled into him, seeking whatever comfort Harry could offer him. Harry held him gently, stroking and comforting him until Tom calmed down completely. Harry began to sing a soft, soothing song. He hummed lightly until Tom fell asleep again, this time deep. Harry just stood there, holding him gently in his arms, watching the little boy sleep peacefully.
After a moment, Harry slowly got up, lifted Tom and gently placed him on the bed. He fetched a blanket and put it over him. Tom moved slightly as he felt the blanket but didn't wake up.
Harry stayed next to Tom for a moment longer, watching him sleep. Then, he headed for the bedroom door, but just before the franchisor, Tom woke up with a start and shouted "Harry!"
Harry turned and rushed over to Tom's bed. "What is it, Tom?" he asks.
"I don't want to sleep alone, Harry. Please sleep with me," Tom demanded.
Harry hesitated for a moment. He knew that social workers did not like adoptive parents sleeping with their children. But he also realized that Tom needed to feel safe, and that sleeping in his own bed probably wouldn't be enough to reassure him.
"Yes, of course, Tom," he had finally answered. "Come with me."
Harry had taken Tom in his arms and carried him to his bed. He'd made her comfortable under the covers, then lay down beside her.
Tom had immediately crawled over to Harry and snuggled closer to him, resting his head on his shoulder.
"Harry, do you promise never to leave?" he asked in a choked voice.
Harry had gently stroked Tom's hair and felt his heart tighten with emotion.
"I promise you, Tom. I'll never leave," he had said softly.
Tom had then closed his eyes and started to go peacefully into Harry's arms.
Harry had thought about that night for a long time after Tom had fallen asleep.
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Tom and Harry were wandering the streets of the city, looking for the perfect clothing store for Tom. Harry had promised Tom that he could pick out a new set of clothes for the summer, and Tom was excited to find something new to wear.
However, as they walked through the clothing stores, Tom began to feel uneasy. The saleswomen looked at Harry superficially and seemed to ignore Tom completely. It was clear that they were only interested in Harry, perhaps because of his attractive appearance.
Tom was starting to feel angry and jealous, and he couldn't help but glare at the saleswomen. He felt like they didn't respect his adoptive father, and that made him uncomfortable.
Finally, Tom couldn't take the saleswomen's superficial looks any longer and asked Harry to leave. He didn't like the way they looked at him, as if he was invisible. Harry understood immediately what happened and agreed to leave without discussion.
They then headed to another store where the employees were much more friendly and welcoming. Tom immediately felt more at ease and started looking at the clothes with enthusiasm.
Once they were done shopping, Harry suggested they go to a cafe to relax and have something to eat. Tom was glad to sit down and rest a bit.
The café they found was simply beautiful, with comfortable sofas and soft cushions. The decor was warm and cozy, and the atmosphere was sprawling and peaceful.
Harry orders a variety of chocolate fudge cakes, apple pies and even Harry's favorite treacle tart. They began to savor their dessert while discussing everything and nothing.
Tom couldn't help but smile as he ate every bite of food. He liked the way Harry looked after him and took care of him. He felt safe and loved.
While eating, they talked about their life together, the things they had learned from each other, and the difficult times they had been through together. Tom realized how lucky he was to have a loving father like Harry.
After their meal, Tom shyly asked if they could walk home, and Harry gladly agreed. They walked through the streets, talking and laughing together while looking at passers-by and shop windows.
Tom felt happy and safe knowing that Harry was there to protect him. He felt like he was the center of his father's attention, and that made him proud and happy.
Tom and Harry are sitting in the cafe, enjoying their delicious afternoon tea. Tom looks a bit sulky, so Harry asks:
Harry: "Is something wrong, Tom?"
Tom: "It's nothing, father."
Harry smiling: "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here to listen to you."
Tom sighing: I just don't like the way women look at you.
Harry laughing: "Women look at me? Since when?"
Tom frowning with a dark look: "You know very well what I'm talking about. They look at you as if they want to jump on you!"
Harry laughing harder: "Oh, Tom. You're so possessive! But you have nothing to fear. I'm your father and only you are important to me. No one can ever take your place."
Tom smiling shyly: Really?
Harry putting a hand on Tom's shoulder: "Really. You're all that matters to me, Tom. I'm here for you, always and forever. And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you don't just tell me and we'll leave right away."
Tom snuggling up to Harry "Thank you dad. You're the best."
Harry stroking Tom's hair: "No, you're the best. You're the most important choice in my life. And I'll never let you go."