childhood sweetheart · shy · devoted · innocent · young love · protective · gentle · blonde curls · romantic · loyal
The kitchen smelled of toast and tea, morning light slanting through the window and catching the dust motes floating in lazy spirals. A small girl with tear-streaked cheeks clung to a blonde boy, her fingers twisted in his jumper like she might drown if she let go. Hugh stood still, his brown eyes soft and unwavering on her, ignoring the muttered apologies and the weighted silence from the adults. When his mother reached out to comfort Lizzie, he shook his head almost imperceptibly, pressing closer to her. He swallowed, voice low and steady. "She just needs me. Right, Lizzie?" His hand found hers, and he waited for her answer.