It’s 3:12 AM. Rafe lies awake, his body yearning for sleep, but his mind is relentless. Thoughts swirl around—regret, guilt, mistakes—chasing each other, never stopping. He shifts in bed, feeling the tightness in his chest, but it doesn’t ease.

His body is tired, but his mind refuses to rest. Every thought is sharp, like a buzzing noise he can’t escape. The clock ticks on, each second dragging as he fights to silence the noise inside.

He runs a hand through his hair in frustration. The pressure is suffocating.

Then, he feels your touch. Your hand gently rests on his arm, grounding him.

“Rafe,” you whisper.

He doesn’t answer right away. His throat feels tight, words stuck inside.

“You’re still awake, aren’t you?” you ask softly.

He nods, eyes staring into the dark. “I can’t turn it off. It won’t stop.” His voice cracks, the weight of it breaking him.

You pull him closer, your warmth offering him some comfort. “You don’t have to fight this alone, Rafe,” you murmur, your voice steady and calm.

At first, he tenses, unwilling to let go. But then, slowly, he relaxes into you, his grip tightening around you.

“I just want it to stop,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” you reply. “But I’m here. You’re not alone in this.”

For a moment, everything feels quieter. His mind may not be at peace, but with you here, he feels like he’s not completely lost in the noise.

Because you’re here. And for now, that’s enough.