“You’re safe. I’m right here. You can breathe.” I murmured the affirmations as I stroked her wrist, discreetly checking her pulse. “We’re not in a hurry. Tell me what’s going through your head when you’re ready.” Instead of pulling away, she leaned forward, resting her cheek on my chest. “I… I don’t know. I guess…” “Hey—” I cupped her cheek. “I said when you’re ready. Take your time. Let your body catch up.” I locked my arms around her, hoping the pressure would relieve some of the anxiety. “I don’t know what happened,” she said quietly. “I just started thinking about going back to my
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