C44 Chapter 44

It was hot all around him, and he was slowly surrounded -- it felt like he was melting, it hurt -- but no matter how much he cried --

Until the man held him and told him over and over again, "Don't be afraid -- with me -- don't be afraid --

Then, everything quieted down, as if it was just a dream. The voice had also changed. It was full of love and doting, intoxicating. Just like before