The silence was punctuated by loud wails. It was a shrieking so loud that everyone was sure there was a banshee on the island with them. Not that any of them (or most, anyway) believed in banshees. But anything was possible here.

He turned on his side, propping his head up on his hand as he listened to her soothe him in the dark. His wails grew quieter and turned slowly to a low gurgling sound; moments later, Charlie heard what was unmistakably a laugh. Smiling to himself, he rolled onto his back and stared up at the stars dotting the inky black sky.

The day before she was exhausted, distraught and worried beyond words about her child�s safety. Since Charlie had returned Turniphead to his rightful home (his mother�s arms) she seemed a lot more content, and more like herself. She smiled more often, and Charlie felt his heart tug each time he saw her eyes lighting up.

Charlie never thought he�d love someone so much after knowing them so little time, but when he looked at that little baby as his tiny fingers curled around his own, he always felt tears pricking his eyes because sometimes life was just amazing. And sometimes it was hell. But at this moment, here in the dark, with her whispering words floating over him, he felt more at ease than he ever had in his entire life.

It was ironic really, considering their lives hung in the balance and every day brought a new fear. But Charlie felt, with Claire and Turniphead at his side, he could make it through.

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