Chloe reacted on instinct when Colton cried out. She rubbed his back and soothed him in a soft voice. "It's okay, Colton. No one here will hit you."
"Dad!" Colton screamed and jolted awake.
He burst into tears and threw himself into Chloe's arms. "Dad, help me! I'm scared. Don't hit me! Please don't hit me!"
Chloe hadn't expected him to cling to her. She hesitated, then rested a hand on his head.
She stroked his hair again and again. "It's all right. It was only a dream. You're safe now."
Her soft reassurances soon lulled him back to sleep.
Even in sleep, his small arms remained locked around Chloe.
She tried to move them, but the moment she shifted, he trembled and murmured, "Don't hit me."
Anyone would have felt for him.
Linda stood nearby and sighed. "He's been like this for da
