"Blackmail" An Austin Butler Fanfiction

Nightmares And Healing

The stillness of the night on the farm was suddenly shattered. Austin woke up with a jolt, his heart pounding and his body covered in a cold sweat. His mind was filled with the haunting images of his nightmare-the painful memories of his mother's battle with cancer and the heart-wrenching moment of her passing. He was shaking, tears streaming down his face.

Emma, who had been sleeping peacefully beside him, felt him stir violently. She quickly sat up, reaching out to him. "Austin? Are you okay?"

He didn't respond, lost in the depths of his sorrow. Emma could see the anguish in his eyes, the silent struggle he was enduring. She gently took him in her arms, holding him close, her warmth offering a comforting contrast to the cold dread that gripped him.

"It's okay, love. I'm here," she whispered, stroking his hair and speaking softly until his trembling began to subside.

Austin buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing quietly. The weight of his grief felt unbearable, but Emma's presence was a soothing balm. She held him tightly, not saying much, just letting him release his pain.

After a while, Austin's sobs turned into quiet hiccups. He took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to collect himself. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"There's nothing to be sorry about," Emma replied gently. "You're allowed to feel this way. It's okay to let it out."

Austin nodded, though he felt a lingering shame about his vulnerability. He had always tried to be strong for his family, but the pain of losing his mother still haunted him, even after all these years.

Emma sensed his internal struggle and spoke softly. "Austin, maybe it's time you talked to someone about this. Holding it all in isn't helping you. You don't have to go through this alone."

Austin looked at her, seeing the concern and love in her eyes. "You think I should see a therapist?"

"I do," Emma said gently. "Talking to someone could help you work through these feelings. Your mom wouldn't want you to suffer like this."

The thought of his mother, always so loving and supportive, brought fresh tears to his eyes. He knew Emma was right. He had been avoiding the deep pain for too long, trying to bury it instead of facing it.

"Okay," he said quietly. "I'll give it a try."

Emma smiled softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I'm proud of you, Austin. It's a brave step."

They lay back down, and Emma continued to hold him until he fell asleep again, her presence a comforting anchor. The next morning, Austin felt a renewed sense of resolve. He reached out to find a therapist, determined to confront his grief and start the healing process.