"They're the sort of people who can love their son, and the sort of people who are worthy of his love in return…"
Ollie's heart trembled at Hugo's words, and for a moment, the tightness in his chest overwhelmed his ability to speak, not just because he deeply wished that Hugo's words were true, but because of the deep pain and longing he heard in the slender scholar's voice when he spoke about people being worthy of receiving love in return.
For better or for worse, there had been a time when Hugo tried to love his father. And that father had proven himself to be deeply unworthy of Hugo's love.
"Thank you," Ollie managed at last. "I hope you're right about them."
