When She’s Ready

Alex sat on the couch, his elbows resting on his knees, fingers laced together as he stared at the floor.

His mind was a tangled mess, his heart heavy with worry. Seeing Claire like this again—locked away, shutting them out—it scared him. Just was almost the way it had been twenty nine years ago and what scared him the most was the fact that their father was no longer alive.

He had been the one who talked Claire out of her room when it happened so now, who was going to talk her out? When would she step out? Would she he okay? He mused, his heart heavy with worry.

Emma sat beside him, watching him closely. His tense shoulders, the way he exhaled sharply like he was trying to push away emotions he couldn't quite control. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm.