A Temporary Refuge

Judd handed Jay the plate of food and told him to eat up, assuming it had been a while since the boy had eaten. Jay accepted the food gratefully and began to eat slowly, savoring each bite. As he ate, Judd went over to his closet and searched for some clothes that could fit Jay. He couldn't find anything that would exactly fit him, but he managed to find a blue hoodie and grey sweatpants that might work. As Jay finished eating, Judd told him that he should shower. Jay nodded, and Judd handed him the clothes to borrow. "The bathroom is right here," Judd said, gesturing to the bathroom attached to his room. Jay took the clothes and headed into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. A few minutes later, the door opened, and Jay emerged looking a lot more energetic. His hair was still damp, but he looked refreshed. Judd reminded him to be quiet for now, and Jay nodded. "I'll try," Jay said, his voice barely above a whisper. Judd also reminded Jay to stay in the room while he was out, and Jay nodded in agreement. Judd then left the room, determined to wash Jay's clothes without being seen. He made his way to the laundry room, trying to avoid his parents and siblings. As he washed and dried Jay's clothes, Judd breathed a sigh of relief that he had managed to avoid detection. He carefully folded the clean clothes and made his way back upstairs, trying not to draw attention to himself. When he entered his room, Jay was sitting on the bed, looking more relaxed. Judd explained his plan to him. "Tomorrow is Friday, so I was thinking I could sneak you out of the house and to the front door. I can tell Nick that you want to have a sleepover, and then you can roam the house a bit more." Jay nodded, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "That sounds like a good plan," he said. "Thanks, Judd. I owe you one." Judd smiled and shook his head. "You don't owe me anything, Jay. Just be careful, okay?"