Macy held onto him tightly, unable to stop the tears that ran down her face. Every breath she took hurt, like she was relearning how to breathe again. It hurt to exist. She pressed her face harder against Graeme’s chest, her hands clenching into his shirt.
His arms were strong around her, tight and sturdy. He kept whispering soft words to her, stroking her hair as she wept. His grounding presence around her made her feel better, and she couldn’t help but cling to him.
“It’s alright baby.” Graeme whispered, still hugging her. “I’m here.”
“I was so scared. I thought you wouldn’t get there in time before they—”
“I know.” Graeme interrupted, unable to let her finish that sentence. The unsaid words made his stomach twist and his blood boil.
It took a long time, but she soon settled down,
