HOMESTEAD

                                    

                                          
We get home and John helps me in with an arm around my shoulders. I was too shakey to walk on my own. I don't know if those noises were my imagination or not. They sounded so real. I needed to ask John if he had heard anything, but I was not prepared to ask yet.
                          
Getting inside, John takes me to sit on the sofa as he makes us some tea and a blanket to drape over my shoulders. He always has taken such good care of me so being with him after this experience really helps. We sat and drank with a film on that would settle me down. Halfway through the film, I felt ready to talk. "Did you hear anything?" I ask. He looks at me and looks confused. "What do you mean?" he tilts his head like a dog, adorable. I take another sip of my tea, "did you hear anything in the pizzeria when the doors locked?" He shakes his head and sees to understand what I was saying. "You heard something, didn't you? It must have been your PTSD acting up," was all he said as he went back to watching the film. I hope he was telling the truth because I couldn't bear to think about what might have happened to me if John didn't get there in time.
                          
After the film, John got tired and wanted to head to bed. I didn't want to be left alone. He stood and I gripped onto his shirt. "Can I go with you?" I could look at him, but I could hear a soft breath let out, a slight smile. "Sure, but are you going to be able to sleep?" he asks, definitely smiling a little. "I will, I'll try. I should be able to with you by my side," I finally look up and he's blushing, sparkles in his eyes. I didn't flinch. I was too desperate to not be left alone. He nods and grabs my hand, leading me up the stairs to the bedrooms. 
                          
I get changed in the bathroom, whilst him in the bedroom. We get into bed in a hurry and face opposite sides. Surely this would be enough, but I still felt vulnerable. Scared. I turned over and put my arm over his waist, pulling myself in. He got the hint and turned over, hugging me back. That was the best sleep I had ever gotten.