Comforting Emily 1

Jason stepped into Emily's apartment, her arms wrapping tightly around him. She clung to him as if she feared he might vanish. Her trembling body and rapid breathing told him more than her words ever could. It had been a few hours since her rescue, yet the trauma still hung over her like a dark cloud. He gently closed the door behind them, setting her on the couch.

"Emily, you're safe now," Jason said, his voice low and soothing. His hands cupped her cheeks, forcing her teary eyes to meet his. "Take a deep breath for me. Come on, in through your nose, out through your mouth. That's it."

Emily followed his instructions, her breaths gradually slowing. Jason's tone was deliberate, calm yet commanding… a technique he used to diffuse tense situations. By mirroring her emotions and then gently guiding her out of them, he established a rhythm that made her feel understood and secure.