Cold Husband Out, Secret Mogul In
Alison took them from him and reached her hand under the gap to tease Nemo.
"Nemo, come on out. I've got something yummy for you," she said.
She tried seven or eight different treats and toys, coaxing him in a soft, patient voice for a good ten minutes before Nemo finally inched his way out from under the couch.
He was still shaking, his whole body quivering. Alison gathered him into her arms and gently stroked his back. After a few times, his breathing evened out.
Theodore watched her hand. It was a small hand, the knuckles slightly red, the nails clipped short. Her movements were gentle, as if she were soothing a child.