The night had stretched out long and silent within the Armani residence. The parents, Davian and Adeline, were lost in a deep sleep, their sons away for the night.
The stillness was almost palpable, the only sound the occasional creak of the house settling into its foundations.
Not long after, a scream shattered the tranquility. It was a child's voice, filled with pure, unadulterated terror. It pierced the air like a knife, making Davian and Adeline's hearts leap into their throats.
They didn't need a moment to process what they had just heard. In an instant, they were out of bed, their bodies moving on autopilot as they barrelled towards Winter's room.
The sight that met them made their blood run cold. Winter was thrashing about in her bed, her small body straining and arching as if some invisible force was touching her.
Her face was contorted in a mask of fear, her eyes screwed shut. Davian was the first to react, his paternal instincts taking over. He rushed to Winter's side, gently grasping her shoulders to still her movements. "Winter, baby, it's okay," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "You're safe. Daddy's here."
But Winter just continued to thrash, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She was lost in the grip of a nightmare, and nothing could reach her. Adeline knelt beside her daughter, gently stroking her cheek.
"Winn, Piccolo wake up," she cooed. "You're having a bad dream, that's all." Slowly but surely, Winter began to calm. Her thrashing slowed, then finally stopped.
She took a few deep, shuddering breaths, then her eyes flickered open. They were wide and unfocused, filled with the remnants of her terror. "M-mommy?" she stuttered, her voice shaking. Adeline reached out and picked her up to soothe her by walking around.
"I'm here, baby," she whispered, her voice muffled against Winter's hair. "You're safe. We're here."Winter just clung to her, her body still trembling with fear.
By this time Davina had come and gone with Winter's sippy cup to give her something to drink. Walking over to the two handed the cup to Winter and started comforting her as well.
Grabbing a damp rag to wipe her skin since she was covered in sweat from earlier and another change of clothes.
Placing her on the bed, which caused her to whine out to be held again. "Hold on, Bambina," Davian said as quickly changed winter clothes and wiped her body, while Adeline stripped the bed of its sheets.
With Winter's sobs subsiding, Davian carefully lifted her back into his arms. He cradled her close, feeling her small heart still racing against his chest. Adeline finished changing the sheets and then sat beside them on the bed.
"It's okay, Il mio agnello," Adeline murmured, gently combing her fingers through Winter's tangled hair. "The nightmare's gone. You're safe now."
Winter sniffled, her eyes welling up with tears. "I was scared," she whispered, her voice trembling. Davian tightened his hold on her, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
"We're here, baby," he said. "Do you wanna talk about it, my love." Adeline reached out, wrapping her arms around both Winter and Davian. Sitting patiently waiting for her answer. Giving them a simple head shake, which they were okay with
Winter spoke up after a few moments of silence. "can I stay with you?" she asked, her voice small. Davian and Adeline exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison.
"Of course, bambina," Adeline said, smiling. as davian gathered Winter into his arms as Adeline grabbed her comfort ideas for the night. Switching her room light off before heading back to their room. Strolling over to the bed and placing her in between them.
Handing her, her stuffies and security blanket. After settling, Adeline reached love to turn off the light and kissed Winter and davian's heads before falling asleep.
As they settled in for the night, Winter snuggled between her parents, she finally felt safe. The nightmare was over, and she was surrounded by the people she loved most. With a final yawn, she closed her eyes, letting sleep take her. This time, there were no nightmares. Only peace.
As the night passed on, winter soon migrated between davian and Adeline, since they were lying on their sides she would mold her body to sleep against them.
Throughout the night, Davian and Adeline checked on Winter since the incident earlier. Whenever she whimpered or let out and light nudge they were up comforting her through words and bottom pats to fall back asleep.
When the morning light finally shed a light through the windows, Adeline and davian found themselves awake while Winter was lying over Adeine with her hands mysteriously placed in her top causing the couple to laugh at the sight before getting up to start the day.
