Page 65 of The Star in Room 7

“I am. Thanks.”

Puck takes Ted, cuddling him alongside the other bear. Then they bounce to their feet and open the door.

“Puck…”

They pause and stare at me, wide-eyed.

“Are you okay?”

They nod. “Hm-mm.”

“Really?”

They stare at the ceiling, blinking fiercely for a few seconds. “Yes.”

I’m not convinced. “You can talk to me if you need to.”

“I know.”

“It’s just… Talking to Nate, my therapist, and you has really helped me. And I know you have a caregiver, but if you need to talk when he’s not around…” I rub the back of my neck. I should probably stop talking. “I’m sorry, I’m not good at this. I’m not like Nate. I don’t know the right things to say. I’m worried about you. You’re always smiling, but I know you’re not always happy.”

“I don’t need to talk. I need—” Puck pinches their eyes shut and dips their chin onto Ted’s head. “Something I can’t have.” They blow out a long, slow breath. “I’m good. Everything’s good. It’s all good.”

“No, it’s not,” I say as gently as I can.

They open their eyes and stare at me. “But it will be,” they say in a determined voice, their eyes blazing with conviction. “So, please, drop it, okay?” They wave the charger, smiling brightly. “I’ll bring this back in an hour or so.”

“Puck—”

They slip out the door, closing it softly behind them.

Should I follow? No. Probably not. I’ve made the offer, but I know from experience that Puck has to want to take me up on it. Right now, they don’t. I hope they’re going to be okay. I hope they can win their fight.

I text Nate to let him know about the audition. A few seconds later, he calls me.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Hi, sweet boy. An audition? That’s amazing! Are you going to go?”

“I think so, yes.”

“That’s great. I wasn’t sure you would.”

“Nor was I, but Puck talked some sense into me. Daddy… I really want this,” I whisper. “I didn’t think I did anymore. But I do. I don’t want to let one person stop me from following my dreams.”

“I’m glad.”

“I’m still scared.”

“I know, baby.”

“Maybe I always will be, but I can’t let that stop me. I can’t put my life on hold. Not anymore.”

“Let me know when and where the audition is, and I’ll make sure you’ve got an agent with you. If you want one.”

I take a deep breath. “Would you come with me?”

“As your CPO?”