Thomas woke up and could still feel the searing pain from his chest. It was dark in the room, and he couldn’t see anything, but he was scared, and he didn’t know why.

He hopped out of bed, quietly putting his feet to the floor. He saw a lump on the floor and tried to avoid it. He made it out the door, and into a room he recognized, but didn’t compute with his fuzzy brain.

“Thomas?” Asked a voice he knew from behind him. “Thomas, it’s okay. Calm down.”

Thomas was crying, and he didn’t understand why. He felt a dull ache in his chest and face. Then he was running: to where, he had no idea.

Then something snaked around his torso and kept him from running. The thing pulled him back into a hug. “Thomas. It’s okay. It’s Liam. You’re safe. I won’t let them hurt you.”

Thomas was still crying, but he knew Liam was okay, so he turned around and hugged him back. “Let’s go back inside. I’m sure your sister is worried.”

His sister. He hadn’t thought about that. “Is she okay?” He croaked.

“She’s fine. You on the other hand need sleep.”

“I’m scared, and I don’t know why.”

“That’s natural Thomas. But that’s why you have your sister and me. We’ll be with you every step of the way. You don’t need to be afraid. I’ll protect you.”

Thomas nodded, and started to walk back towards the house. When they got there, Liam whispered, “Be strong for your sister.”

Thomas put on a strong front so that his sister wouldn’t be too worried. He walked in the door, followed by Liam.

“Thomas!” She said hugging him hard.

“Umph. You know that hurts a bit.”

“Oh. Sorry.” She said pulling away.

He pulled her back. “I didn’t say to stop. I’m sorry for worrying you, sister.”

“As long as you’re okay.”

They went back to bed, and this time, Thomas actually slept.