The car moved away from the Gray manor. Outside the window, the world was just waking up. Inside, the air was still.
I looked at Billy in the seat beside me. He was staring at his hands in his lap. His shoulders were tight. He was trying so hard to be brave for me.
I reached over and put my hand over his. His small fingers were cold.
"You're nervous," I said, my voice soft. "You're trying to hide it because you think I'll tell the driver to turn around."
He didn't look up, but his face changed. A little flinch. I was right.
"It's okay to be nervous," I said. "I get nervous about a lot of things. New places can be scary. You'll have good days and bad days. The most important thing is that you stay strong inside. No matter what. You understand?"
He finally nodded, his head still down. "Yes, Mom."
I kept holding his hand. Leo, in the front seat, stayed quiet.
