Page 184 of Sweet Nightmare

“I’m really okay, Dad.”

His eyes soften.

Not because he believes me.

But because he knows that is all I can give him.

For now at least.

“Alright then.”

That’s why talking to my father has always been easier than talking to Mom. He doesn’t push. He doesn’t demand answers or force me to say more than I’m ready to.

He simply accepts me.

The way he always has.

“Get some sleep, my little heart.”

Only my father can call me something that embarrassingly sweet and survive.

“I'll try.”

“Okay.” He presses two fingers over his heart.

I do the same.

Our thing.

Always.

A silent I love you.

After that, I end the call, and the library falls quiet again.

Then a loud shout tears through the silence.

I freeze.

Stephen.

Another nightmare.

Crack.

Ouch.

My chest.

I don’t think.

I move.

I hurry to close my laptop and reach for the book lying beside me. I tuck it beneath my arm and head for the door. Because if his nightmares are where his demons come looking for him, someone should be there to make sure they don’t touch him.

I don’t know why that someone has to be me. I don’t know why the thought of leaving him alone suddenly feels impossible. I don’t know why my heart seems to understand something my brain refuses to acknowledge.

But I know what it feels like to be alone with something that scares you.