“Rae, honey, I’ve got you,” I told her as I wrapped my arms around her. I didn’t squeeze her so she didn’t think I was trying to hurt her.
I just held her. “Sunshine, it’s me. You’re safe. I promise it’s me. I got you,” I whispered the promise to her.
I’m not sure if it was my words, me holding her, or both, but she said my name clearly this time.
“Yeah, honey. It’s me, Ranger.” I ran my fingers through her hair, hoping it would comfort her and bring her back to me.
She grabbed my shirt and pulled me closer than I already was. I continued to whisper to her that she was safe with me as I ran my fingers through her hair. She buried her face against my chest, and I felt her take a couple of deep breaths.
“I got you, Sunshine. I’m right here and I am not going to let you go.”
A few moments passed before her breathing evened out, and her pulse slowed to a more normal rate.
I could tell she was nervous, but I didn’t dare move—not until she was ready. When she finally loosened her grip, I knew she was starting to come back to me.
She was still clingingto my shirt, but she seemed calmer than before. It was still dark in the house. Only the occasional flash of lightning lit up the room. I had offered to grab the candles, but she did not want me to leave her, so I waited until she said she was feeling a bit better.
“How are you doing, Sunshine?”
“Okay, I guess. I'm...really cold right now.” A chill went through her, and I rubbed her back.
“Can I help you up?’
Rae nodded, so I held out my hand for her to hold as I wrapped my arm around her waist and lifted her up.
“It’s so dark, Caleb.” We held hands as I started to move us out of the bathroom, but she moved her arms to wrap around mine.
“I know. I’m really sorry, I couldn’t find my phone or get any light before I ran to find you.” Thunder shook the house and Rae jumped.“Sorry. That startled me.” I could hear the fear in her voice.
While it was dark in my room, I could see the outline of my dresser and the open door next to it. If she was okay with it, I could quickly move through the house to get the lanterns. I stopped walking and turned towards her. Keeping my voice low, “Hey Rae, do you trust me? I won't be upset if you say no.”
“Yes, of course.”
I reached up to touch her cheek with the back of my fingers. “Why don't you sit on the bed with Duke and I'll go get the lights? It will be quick and you don't have to walk around in darkness.”
“Duke can stay with me?”
“On one condition. When I am back with the lights, you let me be the one who makes you feel safe again. It’s where I’m meant to be—right there with you.” I kissed her forehead and for the first time since the power went out, she seemed to relax.
“I can try that.”
“Okay. Duke, go to bed.” I heard him hop up on the bed and lie down, so I led Rae to the bed. “I’ll only be gone for a couple minutes, promise.”
She acknowledged me with only a sound, and I left her side to find the lights and candles.
I left the room, but part of me stayed right there—with her and Duke—exactly where I belonged.
