Page 83 of Shattering

Gray's fingers curled into fists. "I don't want to meet him."

Dr. Sloan studied him. "Not yet."

Gray scoffed. "Not ever."

Dr. Sloan gave a small nod. "We'll see."

Chapter 39

The sky was a dull stretch of grey, but the air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp grass and mud—perfect weather for rugby.

Cadi and Gray stood near the sideline, shoulder to shoulder, watching as Tomos darted across the field, grinning wildly, his little legs pumping hard as he tried to evade the other kids.

"Pass it, lad!" Gray called, hands cupped around his mouth.

Tomos ignored him, choosing instead to barrel straight ahead, crashing into a pile of players.

Gray groaned, shaking his head. "Bloody stubborn."

Cadi smirked. "Wonder where he gets that from."

Gray shot her a look but said nothing. He was happier than she had seen him in a long time. It was in the way his shoulders weren't weighed down, the way his eyes weren't clouded with anger. He looked... lighter.

The game ended, and Tomos came running over, mud streaked on his cheeks, panting and beaming. "Did ye see that, Da?"

Gray ruffled his hair. "Aye, I saw ye get tackled 'cause ye wouldn't pass."

Tomos rolled his eyes. "Passin's for backs."

Gray laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "Yer not built like a bloody prop, Tomos."

Cadi stood there, watching them, a warmth curling in her chest.

Later, they drove home with James and Tomos sitting in the back, their heads bent together as they dissected every single play of the match.

"No, no, Tomos, ya should've stepped inside first before goin' for the break."

Tomos frowned. "Nah, I was gonna dummy, but that big fella was in the way."

Gray glanced at Cadi, amused, as the boys carried on like they were seasoned professionals instead of five-year-olds who still struggled to tie their boots properly.

Cadi leaned her head back against the seat, listening to their chatter, and felt... content.

Session: The People He Loves Most

Gray leaned forward, elbows on his knees. This was the hardest part.

"Cadi," he murmured. "An' Tomos."

Dr. Sloan waited.

Gray exhaled, rubbing his hands together, fingers flexing and curling as if he could wring the words out of himself. "I treated 'em both like shite," he admitted. "Let me anger eat me alive. An' I dunno how ta fix it."

Dr. Sloan tapped his pen against his notepad. "You've told me that speaking to Cadi isn't easy for you. That it feels like everything catches in your throat."

Gray let out a breathless laugh. "That's putting it lightly."

Dr. Sloan tilted his head. "Why do you think that is?"

---