As I Am (Part 2 of There You'll Be)

Calm

(Zak's POV)

Dark, evil, cold. All those things the guys and I feel and sense on investigations, all packed into one.

I saw a figure crawl up my leg, entering my body, exactly like it did the night I was attacked.

I can't remember what it feels like to relax in bed and sleep anymore.

I've had night terrors before. It's happened. Just not like this.

I can't wake up. I'm terrified. I want to scream, I want to die, anything to take this trauma away.

Soon I feel a cool, soft hand on my right cheek. The voice of a woman soon follows.

"Z! Z Baby! Hey! HEY! Wake up!"

My eyes finally shoot open and I see exactly where that voice is coming from. It's my wife. Her hand is soft against my cheek and I start to calm.

I'm not ready to talk about the investigation and what happened. I also don't want to explain my nightmare.

"Hey. Baby. Hey. You're okay. I'm here. Shhh...I'm here lover." She says as if she's talking to one our little ones.

My breathing finally settled to a relaxed natural pace. I placed my hand on hers.

She laid back on the mattress and motioned for me to come near her.

"Come here Zak."

I scoot over to lay on my wife's chest. My ear pressed against her right breast.

Her heart is strong, steady and calming. So so calming.

"I use this trick with our babies. I read that their Mother's heartbeat is the most calming sound in the world to them. They listened to it from the inside for 9 months, why wouldn't it relax them?" She says.

I hold her closer. That night terror seems to be a thing of the past. My Mom was right, Evelyn does have a gift for my wicked ways.

"Z? I can't begin to understand what happened on your lockdown but I can promise that you won't have to heal and cleanse and fight alone. When I said I do, I meant I too would fight demons with you. For better, for worse. Sickness & health. Possessed or pure."

I feel myself relax, as long as she holds me, I'm safe.

I'm finally falling asleep. I feel her kiss my head. She can't see but I smile a little bit.

I'm struggling, I've struggled before. I'll get better, I know. I'm blessed beyond belief this time. My beautiful wife is here, she's strong.

I need that right now.