After what feels like an eternity, I finally settle back into the freshly made bed, taking a deep, calming breath to center myself. I look at each of them, hoping that the depth of my gratitude is evident in my eyes, and say, “I’m so sorry I ruined Christmas for you.”
Xander replies with a warm smile, “You made it better by waking up.”
“You granted me my Christmas wish.” Joshua smiles down at me.
“But you’re in a hospital eating pizza. I bet you usually sit around a tree, eating something fancy,” I whisper, feeling guilty for keeping them here.
“Shut up, kitten. If we wanted to be home, we’d be there.” Clay sighs, rolling his eyes.
“Keep rolling your eyes. You ain’t gonna find nothing back there,” I mumble.
His smirk turns into a broad smile, then he starts laughing, and Xander and Joshua join in. Sophia reaches out and gently squeezes my knee.
“We missed you,” she whispers, and I smile at her, sinking deeper into the pillows.
Overwhelmed with fatigue, I close my eyes, listening to their soft chatter until I drift off to sleep.
“Worthless pig,”Roberto sneers. “Just as useless as your father! Do exactly as I say, nothing more, nothing less.” he threatens. “You choose. Your arm or your throat. What will it be?”
“No!” I shout, my voice quaking with fear as I yank my arm free from the unseen grasp, my whole body trembling in the grip of the nightmare.
“Kitten,” Clay’s voice reaches me, a lifeline in the darkness, but I’m still trapped within the nightmarish tangle of my mind.
I sit up abruptly, cold and shaking. Darkness surrounds me. The shadows press in on me, and I hold my forearm close to my chest, gasping for breath.
“No, no, no, please, don’t,” I whisper, my voice trembling with lingering fear.
A soft light from the bedside lamp flickers to life, casting a gentle glow over the room and pushing back the oppressive darkness. The bed shifts, and I’m pulled into a strong chest. “Shh, I’ve got you. You’re safe,” Clay murmurs, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. He caresses my hair and holds me close. “He won’t come near you again, Carolina. I promise.”
I look up at him, puzzled, his words and touch finally pulling me free. “How do you?—”
“Chiara told us everything,” he whispers.
He adjusts our position so I’m lying with my thigh over his waist, my head resting on his shoulder, and my arm draped over his chest. It’s comforting and familiar, reminding me of how we cuddled on the couch a few days ago,or is it weeks now?
Then I process what he’s just said. “You can’t—” I start to protest, my voice laced with concern.
“Shh… we know. We won’t do anything. We’ll just get both of you out of there.”
“But—” I attempt to argue further, but he cuts me off with a gentle command.
“Hush. We can discuss this tomorrow. You need to rest now,” he soothes, gently stroking my thigh over his hip.
I think about the nightmare and shudder. “I don’t think I can sleep again.”
“Do you have nightmares often?” he asks softly, concern evident in his eyes.
“No, I’m usually too exhausted to dream, I think,” I admit, taking a deep breath.
“I can be your plushie for tonight. They keep bad dreams away,” Clay says with a hint of humor in his voice, his attempt to lighten the mood bringing a faint smile to my lips.
“I don’t think I ever had one,” I muse, trying to recall.
I remember having a snuggle blanket and dolls as a child, but not a plushie. I did give Chiara a teddy bear when our parents passed away, though, and it worked for her.
“Come here,” he murmurs, pulling me even closer and gently kissing my forehead. “Sleep so I can take you home with me tomorrow.”
I gaze up at him, my heart skipping a beat. “Home with you?” I whisper, my voice filled with both surprise and hope.
