I stretch out my legs and slide us back against the far wall. At least this way, I can hold her close and gently rock her back and forth. Slowly, subtly, but I do it.
She’s not fighting me anymore. She’s stopped screaming.
I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what I could possibly tell her to make things right, so in the end, I don’t say anything at all.
Slowly, her sobs quiet and still. But I don’t let go. I hold her closer, tighter, and let her bury her face into my neck so she can scream if she needs to.
I’m glad for the shower, for the water still streaking her skin.
It lets me hide my own tears.
part0011
5
Once Clara has calmed down, I make an executive decision for both our sanities and carry her over to her bed.
But instead of tucking her into it, dripping wet and naked,
