[18. Clouds]
Mitch could see the storm approaching this time. It's almost a relief once it finally hits. Almost. As he cradles Scott protectively, he can feel the updrafts of grief threaten to consume him; the tears falling freely as he draws breath in shuddering gasps. Watching him finally cave and collapse in a sobbing heap on the kitchen floor is probably one of the most excruciating things Mitch has ever had to endure. The person who is normally his source of strength, his tether, is adrift. He wishes he could take his pain, bear it for him somehow. But all he can do is hold tight. They'll weather this together. They always do.
