In the crushing aftermath of Becca's vicious attack, Charles and I cling to each other in the solitude of our safe room sanctuary. The rest of the world feels distant, muffled—a realm we've been violently ripped away from after having our lives threatened in such a disturbing way.
It takes several days before we can fully catch our breath, before the lingering shock and emotional upheaval begins to abate enough for coherent thought to filter through. Even then, normalcy feels like an abstract concept that may never fully return.
The first few nights are filled with restless slumber and harrowing dreams where I jolt awake drenched in cold sweat, heart pounding from visions of Becca's contorted face and the gunshots ricocheting all around us. Charles is always there to gather me close, gen
