The early evening light filtered through the windows, casting soft gold across the hardwood floor. Dina swayed gently, her arms wrapped securely around baby JJ, humming some half-remembered lullaby. His tiny fingers gripped the collar of her shirt, eyes already fluttering shut. The world felt still and safe.

Then came the bang.

A sharp, sudden crack! from upstairs—like something heavy had been knocked over. Dina froze, her breath caught in her throat. Baby JJ startled, whining a little.

“No no, it’s okay, sweetheart,” she murmured, voice shaking. She kissed his forehead before quickly setting him down in the playpen with a stuffed dinosaur. “I’ll be right back. Stay here, baby, just for a second.”

She took the stairs two at a time.

The bedroom door was ajar, and her heart lurched when she saw the scene inside. The lamp was on its side, shattered. Books thrown from shelves. You sat in the corner, knees pulled tight to her chest, rocking back and forth with her hands clutched over her ears. Her breathing was ragged—shallow, panicked gasps—and her eyes were wild with distress. The air felt thick with electricity and anguish.

Dina’s heart broke at the sight.

“Baby…” she whispered, stepping forward slowly, but you didn’t seem to hear her.

Dina’s hands trembled. She knew you couldn't speak. And when the world became too loud, too bright, too much, the silence between them grew cavernous and terrifying.

She dropped to her knees a few feet away, tears already spilling from her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear—I didn’t know it was starting—shit, I should’ve—”

Her voice cracked, raw with helplessness.

She remembered what the therapist had told her: You don’t have to fix it. Just be there. Let her know she’s not alone.

So Dina took a shaky breath, wiped at her cheeks, and gently started tapping her fingers on the floor, a rhythm she knew you liked. Soft. Predictable. Steady. Tap, tap…tap tap tap…tap.

Your rocking didn’t stop, but her head turned slightly—just barely—toward the sound.

Dina continued, voice quiet but unwavering now. “I’m here. I’ve got you. I’m not going anywhere.”

A choked sob escaped her. “You don’t have to talk. You don’t have to explain. Just let me love you through this, please.”