"Yeah, I mean that." Holden held a hand out to Gideon, not surprised when he didn't take it. Instead Holden was the one to reach down and take Gideon's hand in his. A clammy, dirty hand, but he held it carefully as they entered the store.

He remembered a time when adults were all sort of things to him, but never caretakers. Never somewhere to feel safe and protected. He was hoping that he could turn that around for Gideon, just a little. "I'm here to get milk." And that was it, essentially. "Sahll we get a cart or a basket? What do you want, Gideon?"