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.

here?" Giselle asked, worry etched across her face as she looked at her son standing before us.

speaking, another person rushed into the room, breathless and flustered.

running. I'm tired already,"

Ryker took off, darting toward my 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 their sockets when

was taken by surprise when Ryker suddenly tugged at my shirt, looking up at me

me; they looked back at me

melted

my negligence,

trying to chase after

rock, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He wanted me to take

across my face. "Is this

earnestly, his expression serious yet proud. I felt a

the rock up to the light to

with joy at my words, the anxiety from earlier dissipating as he

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 tone sharp and filled with

nanny flinched, her eyes widening in fear as she glanced between Ryker and Giselle. She hurriedly moved to take Ryker away, but

to take the child away. He came here to give me a gift," I said, defending Ryker as I held

up, his voice cutting through the tension. "This is new!

anyone, let

couldn't borrow his things from him. Yet here he is, running around to find you

gesture truly was. It filled me