His heart broke for her; he knew what it was like to have a child torn away, and he couldn't imagine what it would be like knowing that child was still alive somewhere. He gently squeezed her hand.

Thomas didn't want to seem overly forward, though. So after a moment more of tender, reassuring contact, he released her hand and sat back, holding his tea once more.

"You're married?" he asked, wondering if it was rude to move in that direction after the revelation that she was also a mother.