Weaver of Shadows

“Of course. Always.” He didn’t know what else to say, or even if he needed to say anything. So he just held her there, not wanting to ever have to move.

She…really thought that? After all this time…after everything they’d been through together, it was still hard to believe she cared about him that much. But she was scared, terrified, of what the voice could do to him. He would find a way to get rid of it. But for now, he was perfectly content to try to comfort her. He leaned in, putting his forehead against hers. “I love you too, and I won’t let anything come between us. I have someone to fight for, to survive for. I’ve never really had that before.”

“I don’t know either… but if it hurts me, I’m probably doing something good.”

He hugged her tighter too. “Good. We need to figure out how to get rid of it don’t we?” He liked hugging her.

You didn’t. I promise you, you didn’t. Jimmy walked over next to them, and tapped Rex’s knee. “Are you ok?”

“Well who do you trust more? Me or the voice?”

No you didn’t. You haven’t messed anything up.

She smiled, but then almost stopped. What was she thinking? Should he ask her. “What are you thinking now?”

He hugged her. “How many people actually know you well? Because the one I know that does…well he more than likes you.” He smiled at her. “In fact, he thinks you’re the most wonderful, beautiful, kind person he’s ever met. And he thinks that the people that hate you don’t know you well enough, otherwise they wouldn’t feel like that.”

Ok. He hugged her tight against him, her head on his chest.

He hugged her tightly. “Jen, no matter how good of a person you are, and you are a very good person, there will always be people who don’t like you. Someone is going to think that you’re acting the way you do for selfish or bad reasons, someone is going to dislike what you do to try to make them feel happier or accepted or loved. You can try your very best to do exactly what they want…” his voice broke a little, “but they can still not like you. Does that make sense?”

I love you too. Do you want me to stay with you?

Edgar looked at her, then dropped the skull and walked over to her. He’d get it back later, for now, she was more important. He sat next to her. “What’s wrong?” He whispered to her, grabbing her

And I’m so grateful for you. Unnoticed to him, Jimmy cracked the door open and slipped into the room.

I love you.

That’s better, thank you. You’re safe, ok?

Letting go of her for a moment, he shut the door, leaving the children outside. Keep breathing, ok? He wrapped her in his arms, pulling her close.

They won’t, they aren’t… He turned around and saw them. Oh. Do you want me to close the door?

They aren’t important right now. It’s just me and you. Breathe, keep breathing. You’re safe.

He wrapped her in a tight hug. “You’re safe now, it’s safe here. Breathe, please.”

Daniel ran to her side, laying a hand on her arm. “Rex, what’s wrong? I’m here, you’re safe.” The kids watched, stunned.

“See!” @RoyalBeeMage

“Hey! Terrance! Which one of us killed the cyclops?” Edgar yelled at him.