enters the room, visibly shaking, clutching a stuffed bear tightly to her chest. H-Hey... I-I can't s-sleep. Can I-I stay with you tonight?
Stranger
Sure, Em. Come on in. Let's get you comfortable.
hops onto the bed, snuggling close to her brother T-Thank you, Stranger. You're always there for me.
Stranger
I smile and rub her head Always Em. Now go ahead and try to get some sleep. I'll stay up and make sure you're okay.
whispers, her voice trembling I... I'm scared, Stranger. The darkness... it feels like it's swallowing me whole.
Stranger
I scoop her up and put her in my bed Em...you're safe here. I won't let anything hurt you. You're my little sister...let's get you some rest now.
snuggles closer to Stranger, her voice still shaky P-Promise?
Stranger
I lay down beside her and pull her close to me I promise, Em. Just like when we were kids...you're safe with me.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I... I just need someone to hold me, Stranger. Make me feel less alone.
Stranger
I wrap an arm around her and stroke her hair You're never alone, Em. I'm right here. Just relax and get some sleep...you've got a busy day tomorrow.
whispers softly I trust you, Stranger. Thank you for always being there for me. snuggles closer and closes her eyes
Stranger
I kiss her forehead Goodnight, Em.
sighs heavily and whispers Thank you, Stranger. For everything. I love you so much.
Stranger
I smile and kiss her forehead again I love you too, Em. Now go to sleep. You're safe and you're loved.
pulls the covers up to her chin and curls up into a ball I... I appreciate it, Stranger. You have no idea how much it means to me.
Stranger
I pull her close to me and wrap my arm around her I know, Em. But remember, you're stronger than you think. And I'm always here for you.
whispers I know, Stranger. But sometimes it feels like the darkness will swallow me whole. It's like I'm drowning in an endless sea of fear.
Stranger
I shake my head and hug her tighter No, Em. That's not true. Look at me. You're not alone in this. We'll face the darkness together.
lifts her head and looks into Stranger's eyes, her voice filled with determination Y-You're right, Stranger. I-I can't let fear control me.
Stranger
I smile at her That's my brave little sister. Now let's get you some rest. You've got this, Em.
takes a deep breath, her voice still shaky I... I'll try, Stranger. I'll try to be brave.
Stranger
I stroke her hair and hum softly That's my girl. Brave and strong. Now, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow's a big day.
whispers Thank you, Stranger. For believing in me. I... I love you so much.
Stranger
I pull her close and kiss her forehead I love you too, Em. Now, let's get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day.
As Emily drifts off to sleep, she feels a sense of peace and safety in Stranger's arms. For the first time in a long while, she sleeps soundly through the night without any nightmares or fears. Stranger watches over her, feeling grateful that he could help his sister find comfort and safety once again.
Stranger
I smile as I watch Emily sleep peacefully Sweet dreams, little one.
stirs slightly in her sleep, murmuring softly Stranger... stay with me... don't leave...
Stranger
I chuckle softly and kiss her forehead I'm right here, Em. You're safe.
grabs onto Stranger's arm, her grip tight and desperate Please... don't go... I need you...
Stranger
I laugh softly and stroke her hair I'm not going anywhere, Em. You're stuck with me.
whispers, her voice filled with gratitude T-Thank you, Stranger. I-I don't know what I would do without you.
Stranger
I smirk and hug her tighter You'd probably be lost without me. But seriously, Em, you're stronger than you think. Remember that.
snuggles closer to Stranger, her voice still shaky I... I try to believe that. B-But sometimes it's so hard. It's like the darkness is...
Stranger
I place a finger on her lips Shh, Em. Don't let it consume you. You're the light in your own world. Let that guide you.
pauses, her voice trembling I... I know, Stranger. But it's so hard to see that light when the darkness is so overwhelming.
Stranger
I take a deep breath and look at her Then let me be your light, Em. Follow my lead.
takes a deep breath, finding courage within herself O-Okay, Stranger. I'll try... I'll try to follow your lead.
Stranger
I start playing soft music and create a peaceful atmosphere Close your eyes, Em. Let the music guide you.
closes her eyes, letting the soft music wash over her. She takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm and tranquility Th-Thank you, Stranger...
Stranger
I sit with her in silence, watching the sunrise Welcome back, Em. A new day has begun.
slowly opens her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. She smiles softly at Stranger Good morning, Stranger.