Page 69 of Wandering Souls

He nodded. “It’s me, Abi. You had a nightmare.”

She stared down at herself, her arms crossed over her chest, her body shivering. With another blink, a tear fell and his heart just about leapt out of his chest to go to her. Lifting her head, she turned a confused expression to him.

“I’m sorry.”

Ray slid across the bed to be closer to her. “There’s no need.” Pressing his palm to her shoulder, he saw her take a deep breath. “Are you okay?”

She swallowed and shook her head. “Will they ever stop?”

Unable to bear seeing her distress, he tugged her into his arms. She came willingly, holding onto him with a force that surprised him. He pulled the blankets around them and stroked her hair. “I don’t know, Abi. Have you talked to anyone about them?”

“You mean a shrink?”

He lifted her face to his. “Yes. A counsellor or a psychologist.”

“After it happened, but he was no help. He said they’d go away eventually.”

Thunder rumbled overhead. Ray held her tight. “How often do you have them?”

“Too often.”

“Flashbacks of the crash? Or something else?”

“Flashbacks, mostly. The way those men looked at me... I can still see the hate in their eyes...” Her whole body shuddered. “If hadn’t protected myself...”

He squeezed his eyes shut to avoid thinking about what they’d wanted to do to her but it was obvious, at least to him. If she’d been a male, they’d have been content to carry out physical torture, but with a woman... Ray shook off the thought. Thankfully she’d stopped them before they could do anything.

“You’re safe here,” he said softly, kissing the top of her head. “I’m so sorry for what you went through, but you’re safe now.”

She nestled closer and nodded against his chest. “I know.” Lifting, she blinked and smiled. “I’m safe with you. I know that. I’m just sorry you had to see this.”

Ray trailed his fingers down the side of her face. She sighed and he felt the tension drain out of her body. “I told you, there’s nothing to be sorry about. Can I get you some water?”

“Yes, please.”

He hated leaving her but reminded himself it would only be a minute. Tucking her under the blankets, he stepped into his briefs and left the room. In the kitchen, he retrieved the filtered jug from the fridge and poured her a glass.

Bruce padded up to him and gave him a curious look. Ray scratched the pooch behind the ears and returned the jug to the fridge. As he turned to head back to the bedroom, he glanced at the dog.

“Come on.”

He led Bruce into the room to see Abi wipe her eyes. He stepped aside, patted the bed and calledup.Bruce jumped onto the bed and immediately saw to Abi. Her eyes lit up as she sat up and hugged the dog.

“Don’t get used to it, Bruce.”

He held out the glass to Abi. She smiled and took it, sipping the water. “Thank you, for both.”

The calming effect Bruce had on her was remarkable. Color returned to her cheeks and her tears dried. He saw the worry and fear dissipate. Her shoulders relaxed and her face softened. Abi set the half-empty glass on the bedside table and buried her hands in the dog’s fur.

While Bruce made himself comfortable, Ray climbed back into bed. He laid on his side and propped himself up on one elbow, watching the two of them cuddle. He almost felt jealous but reason set in and reminded him what she’d just experienced.

“I don’t want to tell you how to do things, but I think you should talk to someone again, Abi.”

“Who?”

He reached out and took her hand. “I don’t know but I’m sure your father could help. Or maybe you could ask at the hospital?”

She twined her fingers with his and nodded. “I’ll ask. Thank you for not judging me.” Glancing down at Bruce, she smiled. “I think you need to go back to your own bed.”

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