*Valeria*
As soon as we entered our place, I choked back a sob as I pulled Rosie into my arms.
She, however, was unable to hold back, and her face buried into my shoulder as the sobs racked her body. My throat felt tight, but I kept it together.
I needed to be strong for her.
I shooshed and soothed, patting her back and stroking her hair, letting her get it all out now that we were in a safe space. As soon as she had gotten the sobs under control, I pulled back at arm's length to observe her.
"You are sure you're okay?" I asked, my stomach nauseous at the marks I could see on her. "I can go find Helen, I'm sure I could convince her to help. You know she owes me one after the last time."
"No, no, I'm fine," Rosie tried to smile through the tears. "Well, I'm not, but I will be, now tha
