8. things you said when you were crying

I should anticipate it at this point, really.

Every night, you wake up screaming, crying, or both. I wake up, but you’re too panicked to notice. I try comforting you, but you just move away from me, sobbing and rocking yourself until you calm down or fall back asleep.

I really should anticipate it, but in the back of my mind I always wish that you’ll sleep soundly. But that’s not how it works. It’s a vicious, horrible routine.

Tonight, you wake up in tears again. I wake up almost immediately. But this time, it’s different.

You hug me.

You hug me tightly, almost painfully so, as you cry. You bury your face in my shoulder as I pet your tangled curls worriedly. I don’t say anything.

Tonight, you do.

You’re almost incoherent as you talk between sobs. I can hear you apologizing and saying that you love me. I kiss your temple and tell you I love you, too. You continue to cry as you hold onto me for dear life.

I trace your spine with my fingers and tell you how much I love you. Your crying slowly dies down to a soft whimper, and I gingerly kiss your face. You don’t resist or jerk away from me.