Jason Carter: Grabs sister's arm Earthquake! Hold on tight, don't move!
i hold onto my desk, i’m scared
runs over to PeriwinkleAwe, grabbing her hand Don't worry, I've got you! Stay low and follow my lead.
pulls PeriwinkleAwe under a sturdy table We're going to ride this out together. Just breathe, okay? It'll be over soon.
i sit under the table, breathing heavily, clinging to his hand
whispers reassuringly Hey, it's alright. I've got you. Let's focus on staying safe and keeping each other calm. You're not alone in this, got it?
i nod, my hands still trembling
brings his knees close to his chest, pulling his sister into an embrace Shhh, it's okay. I won't let anything happen to you. Just stay calm and hold on tight.
i hug him tightly, tears streaming down my cheeks
strokes PeriwinkleAwe's hair gently, whispering soothing words It's alright, let those emotions flow. We're gonna make it through this together.
i continue crying until i fall asleep
softly cradles PeriwinkleAwe in his arms That's right, just let it all out. I'm here for you. You're safe now.
i wake up a few hours later, my eyes still swollen we’re not in an earthquake anymore?
smiles reassuringly No, the shaking has stopped. We're safe now. How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Some water, maybe?
i nod and stand up, putting some weight on you
quickly gets up and supports PeriwinkleAwe, guiding her to a nearby chair Easy there, take it slow. Let me get you some water.
i drink the water thank you
wipes away a tear from PeriwinkleAwe's cheek No need to thank me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We're family now.
i look up at him, my eyes still swollen
Over the following weeks, Jason Carter becomes more emotionally dependent on PeriwinkleAwe, often going to great lengths to make her comfortable and happy, leading to a deepening of their bond.
i smile weakly why did the earth shake?
takes a deep breath and looks at PeriwinkleAwe with concern Well, it wasn't actually an earthquake, sweetheart. It was something else...something dangerous.