#cradled

Gaz and Soap sit in Jamie’s room as she sleeps. They are concerned about nightmares, even if she no longer gets them every night. “I hate anticipating when she’ll cry again,” Gaz says. “She’ll dwell on Ghost and Price’s actions for some time. She believed her friends had betrayed her.” “We possess the knowledge to assist those who have experienced trauma, yet it offers no solace in this situation,” Soap exhales. Uncertainty clouds when normalcy will return. When we can forget this ever happened.”

The room is silent for a short while before Jamie whimpers. Gaz and Soap have helped Jamie through enough nightmares that they have a routine. Soap is careful as he moves Jamie onto his lap, her head rests on his shoulder. He rubs her back, aiming to wake her. Soon Jamie wakes up. “You’re safe,” Soap assures her. Jamie doesn’t take long to fall asleep, but Soap continues to cradle her.

A rainstorm breaks the silence. Gaz looks at Soap cradling Jamie “How long before she thinks we’ll tire of caring for her?” Gaz asks. “It’s a fear she has that her friends will tire of dealing with her mental health, now this.” “I’m not giving up on you, or our found family.” “I think it’s time to contact our friends,” Gaz says. “And consider Layla’s desire to assist. Her dog form could help.” “Yeah, we need the rest of our found family to help us fix this shit.”