Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 254: Affectionate Child

Astrid's

POV

Ryker barged into the room, taking everyone by surprise. All eyes turned to his small figure, momentarily stunned by his sudden entrance.

Full of energy just moments before, Ryker suddenly froze when he saw us, his throat constricting as he took in the unfamiliar faces.

The weight of our gazes seemed to pin him down, and I could see his breath quicken, a flicker of anxiety crossing his features.

Before his emotions could consume him, his gaze suddenly landed on mine. I gazed softly at him and gave him a warm smile to encourage him and calm him down.

As soon as he recognized who I was, a flicker of calm washed over him, and I watched as he focused intently on me, the tension in his body beginning to ease.

After my encounter with him in the garden, I did some research about autism and learned about several symptoms and tendencies that autism might exhibit.

Ryker and I had only crossed paths a few times, but something about him drew me in, igniting a desire to understand him better.

One of the things I discovered was that crowds could trigger overwhelming feelings, leading to emotional distress. I learned that helping him focus on one thing could improve his clarity of mind.

I felt a surge of relief that I was able to help him find that focus. My research was not in vain.

her face as she looked at her son standing

another person rushed into the room, breathless and

running. I'm tired already," she gasped, trying to catch her

side. I sensed the sudden shift in the room as his nanny's eyes widened, taking in the gathering. Her eyes almost bulged out of

Ryker suddenly tugged at my shirt, looking up at me with a bright smile that contrasted

everyone around me; they looked back at me with interest, their expressions a mix

that could have melted steel-her protective instincts flaring up at the sight of her

my negligence,

were just taking a walk outside when he suddenly ran off. I've been trying to chase after him, but he's so fast! He looked like he

to Ryker as he held up a shiny rock, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He wanted me to take it, and I gently reached out to accept

heart-shaped stone in my palm, a smile spread across my face. "Is this for me?" I asked, my voice bright

his lips, then nodded earnestly, his expression serious yet

told him, holding the rock up to

face lit up with joy at my words, the anxiety from

cut through the warmth. "Why are you just standing there? Go and take Ryker out of here. You are disturbing the guests," she scolded his nanny, her

as she glanced between Ryker and Giselle. She hurriedly moved

a gift," I said, defending Ryker as

up, his voice cutting through the tension.

anyone, let

his things from him. Yet here he is, running around to find

at Ryker in surprise, realizing just how significant his gesture truly was. It filled me with warmth to know that he had chosen to share