SEVENTEEN
AlmaThe scream jolts me awake, and I fling off the blankets in a panic as I gather my bearings.
His voice is pained as he cries, “Please, no! Please, stop! Stop! No!”
His agony is visceral, and tears well in my eyes at its sound.
Leo.
I spin in bed to face him. “Leo.” I grab ahold of his shoulders and shake him. “Leo, you’re dreaming. Wake up.”
His body is rigid, petrified as he whimpers, still trapped in the nightmare playing in his head.
“Leo!” I scream, desperate to free him from the demons.
He gasps and bolts up into a seated position. His chest heaves as his vicious breathing calms.
“Alma?” he murmurs, confused.
“I’m here,” I reassure him, bringing my palm to his cheek. He leans into my touch. “It was just a nightmare. It’s okay.”
“Alma?” he utters my name again.
