Colors - Ayla Nereo

Gaz is the first to kneel right in front of you and give you a smile. Not a patronizing one—a real, warm, "I'm here and you're safe now" smile. His voice is low, like he’s trying not to spook a frightened animal.

"Hey... it’s okay. You with me? Yeah? Good. Can I hold your hand? Just a bit of pressure so you know I'm real."

If you nod or don't pull away, he laces your fingers with his, gentle, grounding, like he's anchoring you to Earth with one touch.

"There’s a lot happening up there in your head, I know. You don’t have to make sense of it right now. Just listen to me. I’m here. I won’t let anything bad happen."