Shushing her, kissing her hair, rubbing soothing circles on her back. I hold her as close as she needs. As she settles, her body relaxes slightly, but she never stops clinging to me. “I will protect you.” My promise to her is whispered at the shell of her ear and she stills. My little pet looks up at me and I’ve never felt so cold in my life. Helpless, alone. I’ve never felt like a failure and less of a man than I do when she doubts me like she does.
