Jack sat down next to Katherine, who was still holding Mandy. "She's going to be okay," he whispered in her ear.
Katherine slowly looked up and smiled slightly. "I hope so..." She checked to make sure Mandy was asleep before continuing, "What was it like when Crutchie got it?"
Jack sighed and shook his head, "it was bad... really bad. But he made it, he was strong. And so is she."
Katherine leaned against Jack, "But she's so young"
Jack placed his hand on her shoulder, "So was he... but he's okay now"
A tear dripped down Katherine's face, "But he's not"
Mandy started to stir, "Mommy are you okay?"
Katherine shuddered and started to sob. She pulled Mandy closer.
Mandy tried to pull away to look at Katherine, "Mommy what's wrong!? Why are you sad!?"
Jack pulled both of them into a hug, "Mommys gonna be okay... don't worry"
Mandy looked at him with big eyes, "Are you okay!? You're sad too!"
Jack ruffled her hair, "Im okay... you don't gotta worry"
Mandy pouted, "Why are you sad?"
Jack sighed, "Mansdy sweetie, remember what we told you earlier"
Mandy nodded, "You said I got the thing uncle Crutchie has... but I like uncle Crutchie so it's okay."
Jack started to cry again, "Do you wanna talk to uncle Crutchie it's been a while"
Mandy nodded excitedly.
