Reagan was on the floor and curled against the side of the bathtub. Jill immediately dropped to the tile and pulled Reagan into her arms. Reagan gripped her T-shirt so tightly that Jill was afraid it would rip. She buried her face against her chest and wailed. Jill closed her eyes. Reagan had been through so much this year. Was this the first time she had let herself break down? Jill imagined Reagan would try to be strong for those around her. Jill hoped she was being strong for Reagan now. She rocked her in her arms while Reagan continued to cry and murmured, “It’s okay. Let it out. You’re safe with me.”

Eventually, Reagan pulled away and roughly wiped at the remaining tears on her cheeks. She mumbled, “Sorry.” She stood, facing away from Jill.

Jill stepped behind her, resting a hand on the small of her back. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” She handed Reagan a tissue and rubbed small circles on her back as Reagan blew her nose. “Ready for bed?” Jill whispered.

Reagan nodded and headed for bed.

Jill turned off the lamp, slid in, and pulled the covers up to her shoulders. She lay on her back with her hands at her side, uncertain of the protocol in this situation, especially now that Reagan had calmed down and had seemed slightly embarrassed about what had just happened. Did she offer comfort or was Reagan the type who ignored emotion? No, that doesn’t seem right. She’s not like me.

“I’m sorry for tonight,” Reagan whispered in a scratchy voice as she squeezed Jill’s hand under the sheets.

Jill heard a sniffle, and then Reagan cleared her throat. With that, Jill went with her gut. She tugged on Reagan’s hand, opened her arms and said, “Come here.” In no time, Reagan fell into her, wrapping an arm around Jill’s waist and resting her head against her shoulder. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. Okay?”

Reagan nodded into her neck, and she felt Reagan’s tears on her skin. Jill kissed the top of her head and lightly scratched her fingers up and down her arm. Within minutes, Reagan’s breathing evened and she relaxed. Jill let out a slow breath. The fierce need to protect Reagan had felt natural all night. She just hoped she’d always be up to that task, and that Reagan would willingly accept it.

With a last kiss to Reagan’s forehead, she pulled her closer and slept.