"Grandma.."
Sin rubbed his red, wet eyes, sniffling and hiccuping, his little frame trembling. Tears stained his round cheeks. He stood there uncertainly, he just wanted a hug..
Mikoto's expression softened the moment she saw him. Without a word, she knelt and opened her arms.
"Come here, Sin."
The instant he reached her, she gathered him close, one hand cradling the back of his head while the other rubbed slow circles between his shoulders. Her heart was breaking, as she wondered what could have upset him so much.
"Oh, sweetheart..." she murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to his damp hair. "You don't have to ask for a hug. You can always come to your grandmother."
She held him as long as he needed, unconcerned by the tears soaking into her clothes.
"It's all right," she whispered. "Cry if you need to. I'm here, and I'm not letting go until you're ready."
