Swiftcurrent Creek No more hiding

He held her close for as long as she wanted, needing to soothe her distress just as much as she needed to be soothed. He hated that she was hurting and that he couldn't really do much about it.

If only she knew how flawed he really was—how much weakness he had to fight every day. As for being afraid: Lainie, I get scared all the time. I'm constantly afraid something will happen to you, or your brothers and sisters, or your mothers. it was a fear that plagued him more than was probably healthy or normal. Wanting to run from the things that scare us is natural; resisting that reaction just comes with time and practice, as well as learning how to tell when you should run. he paused and then nuzzled her cheek. And I think you've been pretty brave with all of this, he added. She was still here wasn't she? Trying her best to process and deal with a situation no one should ever have to experience. It made him proud.