"Daddy, why are you crying?"
The question snapped Axel out of his thoughts.
He looked down and found Oliver staring at him with knitted brows and far too observant eyes for a four-year-old.
Axel inhaled quietly and forced a smile, one he had perfected over the years but hated using on his son.
'I can't hide anything from you, bud…'
"I'm not crying," Axel said as he rose from his seat. He reached out and took Oliver's small hand, helping him to his feet.
Oliver's fingers wrapped tightly around his before he asked again, "But your eyes look red, Daddy." he tilted his head, clearly unconvinced. He tried to peer closer, but Axel turned just in time to avoid his gaze.
"Come on," Axel said lightly. "Let's go to my bedroom. There's something I need to tell you."
Without waiting for questions, he scooped Oliver into his arms and carried him.
Oliver rested his head against Axel's shoulder, unusually quiet, his little hand gripping the collar of Axel's shirt.
