When Mrs. Green joined them, she looked at Alex, concerned. “You haven’t told her, have you?” After a moment, Alex finally met Jenny’s gaze, his eyes filled with fear and resolve as he began to reveal a secret he’d carried for years.
“When I was five, a burglar broke into my room at night. I was frozen in terror, unable to scream. That night shattered my sense of safety. Shadows became frightening, and I couldn’t sleep. My mother became my anchor, sitting beside me every night, telling me stories of bravery that helped ease my fears.”
Mrs. Green added softly, “For years, I’d hold him, letting him listen to my heartbeat, and slowly, he found peace.”
Jenny’s heart broke for the boy Alex had been and admired the man he had become. Filled with determination, she reached for his hand. “How can I help?” she asked. Mrs. Green explained that in moments of intense anxiety, simply holding him close, his head near her heartbeat, would provide the comfort he needed.
That night, Jenny held Alex close, feeling his body relax in her arms. Mrs. Green quietly left, her eyes filled with gratitude. Jenny knew they were beginning something real—an unbreakable partnership rooted in trust and care.
Since that night, they’ve grown closer, openly sharing their needs and supporting each other through challenges. Embracing Alex’s struggles has deepened their love, transforming the initial shock into a bond that only strengthens over time.