Page 57 of Embracing Trust

I nod.

Ryan rubs the back of his neck. “You mad?”

“Why?”

“I don’t know…kinda shitty to get stuck with a drunk guy in the middle of the night. Geez, what time was it anyway?” Ryan sets the water down and rubs the scruff on his chin.

“Around one, I think.”

Ryan shakes his head and drains the water bottle. “I don’t remember much and honestly I don’t remember the last time I was that drunk.”

“I was surprised. You said you wanted to hit a sports bar, have a few beers and call it a night.”

He leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. He shakes his head. “It was really crowded in there. I couldn’t. . .”

“You couldn’t what?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing,” he mumbles.

It’s quiet for a moment. “Did you sleep okay?”

He sits up straight and turns to me. His face is solemn, hard to read. “Why?”

He seems upset. I’m afraid to tell him. I shrug.

“Why?” he asks again like he knows something and just wants confirmation.

“You just seemed restless a few times.”

This is getting uncomfortable.

“What’d I do?”

I shrug.

“Did I do something?” He’s staring right through me.

“You seemed to be having a nightmare. Flailing and talking.”

“You okay?” He grabs me by the wrist and turns my arm around as he examines it.

“What’s going on?” This is scaring me. Why is he looking at me like this?

“Sometimes I have nightmares. Just want to make sure I didn’t punch you or something.” He’s still examining my arm.

“No, I’m fine.”

His face is unblinking. He gently releases my wrist and folds his hands in his lap.

“Ryan?” He’s quiet as he stares out to the ocean. He doesn’t acknowledge me. “Are you okay?”

He turns to me. “I’m sorry if you couldn’t get any sleep. I’ve had some trouble with nightmares since I’ve been back from Afghanistan.”

I bite my lip. I’ve read about this and seen countless TV shows about returning Veterans who suffer when they return from overseas. I hope he trusts me enough to know I would do anything to help him.

I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. “Is there anything you want to talk about?”

“Naw. I’m working through some things, but thanks.”

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