CLOVE

seven

⨯ brennan ⨯

Letting out a deep sigh, I ran my fingers through my hair, the events of the night replaying in my mind.

Seeing her battered body and bruised shoulder had ignited a fire of anger in me. Whoever had done this to her deserved to suffer. But more than anything, I was concerned about her well-being. She was fragile and vulnerable, but there was a strength in her eyes that amazed me.

I wandered into my bedroom, the soft carpet muffling my footsteps. I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the hot water wash over me and soothe my tired muscles.

Standing under the spray, I let my thoughts wander, my mind drifting back to her. I couldn't shake the image of her bruised shoulder, the anger and protectiveness rearing up in my chest once more.

As I lay in bed, my mind refused to quieten. I couldn't stop thinking about the marks on her shoulder, the evidence of violence that marred her soft skin.

Frustration and anger bubbled within me, my heart clenching at the thought that someone would harm her. She was kind, gentle, and vulnerable. She didn't deserve to be hurt.

I bolted upright in bed as the sound of screaming pierced the stillness of the night. My heart pounded in my chest as I quickly looked at the clock - it was the middle of the night.

I kicked off the covers and scrambled out of bed, my bare feet flying over the cold hardwood floor as I rushed out of my room and down the hall

Panic and concern coursed through me as I rushed into her room, not bothering to knock. I knew she was experiencing a nightmare, and the thought of her reliving whatever was tormenting her filled me with urgency.

Bursting through the door, I flicked on the light, my eyes taking in the sight of her thrashing body on the bed. Her hair was tangled around her face, her breathing coming in ragged gasps.

I moved quickly to her side, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder to wake her up. "Clove, wake up," I called out, my voice firm but soft. "You're having a nightmare. Wake up."

Without warning, she jolted awake, her eyes snapping open and darting around the room in fright. Her body was tense, her breathing ragged as she tried to steady herself.

I crouched down beside her, my hand still gently on her shoulder. "You're okay," I assured her, my voice soothing. "It was just a nightmare. You're safe here."

Her breathing began to ease, the tightness in her body slowly uncoiling. Her eyes met mine, still wide with fear, but slowly focusing on my face.

"Breathe," I instructed, my voice calm and steady. "Slow, deep breaths. You're safe here, I've got you."

Her breathing began to steady, her gasps evening out into slow, deep breaths. She seemed to focus on my voice, her eyes still locked on mine, seeking comfort in my presence.

"You're doing great," I murmured, my thumb gently stroking her shoulder. "Just keep breathing, slow and steady."

She continued to take deep breaths, her body slowly relaxing under my touch. The fear that had gripped her moments before was subsiding, replaced by a sense of safety and comfort.

"Can I sit with you?" I quietly ask, hoping to ease her.

She looked hesitant for a moment, her body still trembling slightly from the nightmare. But she nodded, giving me permission to sit on the bed with her. I took a seat on the edge of the bed, careful not to come too close and invade her space. I gave her a reassuring smile, hoping to ease some of her tension.