11 - Light (ii)
He could feel himself sweating. He tried to run and hide. He couldn’t hide under the sink anymore - he was too old for that now. He heard his father’s voice and when he turned to look at him he found the man holding his baseball bat.
“Aaron!” he yelled.
“Aaron!” she exclaimed softly and he felt himself being shaken awake.
He sat up quickly and was about to make a run for it before he noticed that it was only Taylor sitting on the edge of the bed. He saw a figure standing in the doorway and drew the sheets close to him before the man stepped closer and he realized it was Ryan.
“You were having a nightmare,” she said worriedly before smoothing her hand through his hair. He flinched and immediately regretted it when her hand dropped and she averted his gaze.
“I’m sorry…” he said. “I didn’t mean to…”
“Shhh,” she whispered. “It’s okay. I just came by to plug this in for you and I noticed you turning in the sheets,” she explained and he took in the nightlight in her hands. “The boys use it and I thought it might help you navigate your way through the dark,” she says softly.
“Thank you,” he said.
“Is there anything else you need?” Ryan asked nervously as he stepped closer. He quietly watched as Taylor took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly before shaking his head in response.
“If you do,” Taylor started. “You know where to find us,” she said before standing.
“Taylor?” he asked and she turned to look at him. “You’ll put it on, right?” he asked.
“Of course,” she told him before leaning in and placing a kiss on his forehead. “I’m sorry,” she said even though he didn’t flinch away. “It’s a habit, I guess.”
“It’s okay,” he told her, earning a small smile.
Aaron watched as Taylor and plugged the bulb into the socket across from the bed and the light illuminated his new room.
“Is it okay if we leave the door open?” Ryan asked and he nodded.
“Good night,” he whispered to them.
“’Night,” they whispered back.