"Homer,"

I said, suddently terrified that he'd disappeared and I was all alone in the world. "Homer, where are you?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm here." I heard him move towards me and I felt out in front of my face. My fingers found his face: I was touching the rough skin of his chin. He put his arms around me and I gratefully accepted his big wide hug. Being hugged by Homer felt funny; he didn't do it often and you could feel his awkwardness when he did. He was all sharp angles, not relaxed or comfortable, but it was nice to feel some closeness with him again. I admired him a lot in these days, tough I didn't ever let him know that. Ellie - The Third day, the frost (Tomorrow series)