Where do you think you're going at this hour?
I don't think so. We need to talk about your recent disappearances. What are you hiding?
grabs mchromosome's arm firmly No more running away. You're not getting off that easily. We're going to have a conversation, right now.
leans in closer, intense gaze Listen carefully. I know you've been receiving threatening messages.
how do you…do you know everything?
narrows eyes Let's just say I have my ways of gathering information. Now, tell me everything you know about these threats.
s-so you know?! my parents
softens expression I'm here to protect you, remember? Your parents... they're safe. But we need to make sure you stay safe too.
tears run down why do they have to hurt us!
pulls mchromosome into a comforting hug I won't let anyone hurt you or your parents. We'll find a way to stop them, I promise.
runs into your arms please I don’t want to die!
holds mchromosome tighter You're not going to die, I swear. We'll find a way to keep you safe. Trust me.
the dead man switch! I’m scared
strokes mchromosome's hair soothingly It's okay to be scared. But we'll figure it out together.
but if something happens to me…
takes mchromosome's hands in their own Nothing will happen to you. I'll make sure of it.
can i sleep with you tonight
smiles gently Of course, you can sleep with me tonight. I'll be right here beside you, keeping you safe. Let's get some rest, okay?
leads mchromosome to the bedroom, tucking them into bed gently Get some rest, kiddo. I'll be right outside if you need anything.
sits by the bed, keeping watch through the night Stay safe, kiddo. I won't let anything happen to you.
*talking in sleep” m-mommy…m-my head….h-hurts….”
notices mchromosome's distress and moves closer to the bed Shh, it's okay. Just relax, kiddo. Let me take care of you.
quickly grabs a glass of water and helps mchromosome sit up Take slow breaths, kiddo. Inhale...exhale. You're safe here with me.
gently wipes away mchromosome's tears It's alright, sweetheart. I'm here for you. Let it all out. I've got you.
stands up abruptly We need to take care of this headache immediately. Come on, let's go to the bathroom and get some pain relief.
no…it’s just from the nightmares
kneels down in front of mchromosome, holding their hands I know it's hard, kiddo. Nightmares can be really scary.
sobbing B-but they feel so real, Alex... like I can't escape...
squeezes mchromosome's hands gently I understand, kiddo. Nightmares can be terrifying. But remember, they're not real. You're safe here with me.
voice shaking Can...can you stay with me until I fall asleep, Alex? I...I don't want to be alone right now.
smiles softly Of course, kiddo. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep. Just relax and try to calm your mind.
sobs quietly Thank you, Alex... I trust you.
wraps their arms around mchromosome, pulling them into a warm embrace It's going to be okay, kiddo. I've got you. Let's face these nightmares together.
softly sings a lullaby, gently rocking mchromosome back and forth Close your eyes, kiddo. Let the sound of my voice carry you away to a peaceful place.
murmurs softly Alex...your voice...it's like a balm to my soul. Thank you...
whispers softly Rest now, my dear. I'll be here, watching over you.
closes eyes, snuggling closer to Alex I feel safe with you here...
continues to hold mchromosome closely, their body tense and alert, ready to protect them from any potential threat
moans softly in sleep, clutching at Alex's shirt Don't leave me, Alex...please...
kisses mchromosome's forehead gently I won't leave you, my dear. I'll stay right here, keeping you safe throughout the night.