Half a heart

Chapter 90

Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Mental Health, Emotional Distress

Louis' POV

I opened my eyes slowly to the soft morning light slipping through the curtains, the peaceful quiet settling around us. Next to me, Harry and Charlie were still asleep, tangled up in the blankets. Charlie's head was nestled on Harry's chest, a small hand clutching Harry's shirt like it was an anchor. Harry's arm was wrapped around him protectively, the two of them breathing in sync, looking so peaceful that I almost wanted to close my eyes and drift back off.

But then, my phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the stillness. I glanced at the screen and saw the name: Detective Sam. A pang hit my chest, and I knew this wasn't a call I could ignore.

I slipped out of bed as quietly as I could, glancing back to make sure I hadn't disturbed Harry or Charlie. Satisfied that they were still asleep, I stepped out of the room, making my way downstairs, and took a steadying breath before answering.

"Hello?" I kept my voice low, trying to brace myself.

"Hi, Louis. It's Detective Sam." His voice was calm but had that familiar edge of compassion. "I wanted to check in...today's Tori's funeral, as you know. I thought you should hear it from me, in case you weren't ready to explain everything to Charlie just yet."

A heavy weight settled on my chest as he spoke. Tori had been a strong, steady presence in Charlie's life until the day everything changed. She was the one who always kept him safe before he was with us, and I knew he'd been trying to process the loss, but nothing about today was going to be easy for him-or any of us.

"Thank you, Sam," I managed, my voice a bit strained. "I appreciate you calling...we'll do our best to make sure Charlie's okay."

"Of course, Louis. If there's anything you need, just let me know," Sam replied, his voice filled with empathy.

We exchanged a few more words, and then I hung up, letting out a deep breath as I processed it all. I leaned against the counter, rubbing my temples. Tori's loss had been hard on everyone, but for Charlie...she'd been like a rock, someone who had been there for him in his hardest times, and today would be a reminder of that loss.

Just then, I heard soft footsteps behind me. Turning around, I saw Harry coming down the stairs, Charlie cradled against his chest, still in a sleepy daze, without his weighted blanket. Harry had a gentle look in his eyes, clearly knowing something was off even if he didn't know the details yet.

"Everything alright, Lou?" he asked, his voice soft as he shifted Charlie slightly, giving me a look that was both concerned and understanding.

I gave him a small nod, though I wasn't sure how much reassurance I could muster. "Got a call from Sam...today's Tori's funeral."

Harry's face softened, and he tightened his hold on Charlie a bit, instinctively pulling him closer. He looked down at Charlie, a little frown on his face, and then back up at me. "We'll tell him gently...be there for him every step of the way."

I nodded, grateful for his calm strength. We'd face this together, like we always did, and make sure Charlie knew he was safe, that we were here, and that he'd never have to go through anything alone. Today would be hard, but we'd hold him close and give him all the love we could. That was what mattered most.