You jolted awake, heart racing, drenched in sweat from a nightmare of your past. In Rafe’s bed, the familiar surroundings felt hauntingly unsafe.

Rafe stirred beside you. “Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked, concern in his voice.

“Just a nightmare,” You murmured, tears spilling silently down your cheeks.

He moved closer, wrapping his arms around you. “You’re safe here. I’ve got you.”

You closed your eyes, struggling to breathe as silent cries escaped you. “I keep seeing it—what happened,” You whispered.

“Just breathe with me,” He said softly, his heartbeat steady against your ear.

“Thank you for letting me stay with you,” You managed, feeling vulnerable.

“Always,” He replied, cradling you to his chest. As you nestled deeper into his embrace, the nightmare began to fade. In his arms, the shadows of your past couldn’t reach you.

With Rafe holding you close, you let the tears flow, finally feeling safe enough to surrender to the darkness.