Manson's gaze unwavering, his chest tightened as he stared at Fiona carefreely laughing with Ryan. The surrounding noise faded, swallowed by just her laughter.
"Honey."
Clara's gentle voice barely reaches him.
"Honey."
Still no response.
Clara's face contorted slightly as she exchanged glances with Khalid.
"What's wrong with him?" she whispered.
Khalid followed Manson's line of sight and instantly understood.
"Touch him."
"What?"
"C'mon, trust me."
Then Clara gently placed a hand on Manson's left shoulder, jolting Manson back to reality before his gaze shifted to Clara.
"Aunt." Manson said.
"There you are," she sighed in relief. "Are you okay?"
Manson frowned slightly.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
Clara stared at him, patting his shoulders tenderly.
Before she could respond, Khalid burst into laughter.
"Kid, you looked seconds away from dropping dead."
Manson raised an eyebrow.
"You are being dramatic again, Uncle."
