She was unsure how long they stood there, her holding on him like ivy to a tree trunk, but she didn't mind. He needed her support more than she needed a response. Finally she let go and took him by the hand leading him over to the couch and pulling him to sink down beside her. Then, as if he were her sister, she guided his head to lean on her shoulder and wrapped an arm around him. Lottie was never one for fussing and took comfort in quiet moments. It seemed as if Alvin, like Christabel, just needed someone there, someone to shine a light when the shadows got too dark.