Manning Thorsen believes in (othala) wrote in repose,
Re: Thorsens at home
For all that they should have talked about it, for him being able to see how it wore on his family, how the silences stretched -- they seemed easily soothed with a touch, and he was no more ready to speak about it than Iris was to ask. It would come, when they were both ready.
TJ seemed to bounce back the fastest, but she understood the quiet now, and still gripped his thumb or his forefinger in her hand when she was feeling the need to reassure herself with his physical presence. Manning didn't mind.
Whatever she needed, if it was in his power to give, he'd give it. And for Iris as well, or even the newest addition to their family.
Through the open door, the dogs padded in, Ris setting his jaw on the bed to watch them. Manning peered at him for a moment over Iris' shoulder before his attention returned to his daughter, and his fingers edged into the faint tuck of Iris' waist. His eyes closed, head moving slightly so his scruff left her cheek tinged faintly pink. "Hi," he returned, the sound vibrating out of his belly while TJ pillowed her head on his opposite shoulder.