Asher's piercing scream jolts Astrid from her sleep. He tosses on the bed, as he groans and mutters for help.
“I want to go home, please!” He screams in his sleep. The sleep drains from Astrid's eyes when she registers her son's state.
Her pacing heart is loud in her ears as her face sinks into fear. She quickly shuffles across the bed toward Asher and cradles his head in her arm. She pulls his thrashing body toward her and holds him.
“It's okay, Asher, you're safe, you're with, mommy,” her voice quivers as she tries to calm him down. His eyes spring open and they dart around the room quickly in search of something. His chest heaves heavily as he swallows air in panic.
“It's okay, it's okay,” Astrid says softly to herself as well. She rocks him gently on her lap.
“Mommy?” He calls ou
