Hannah frowns deeply, her hands not moving from Caroline’s face. “Abbie – she was upset, but these are extenuating circumstances. I should have known you would have a good reason for not coming,” she mutters, seemingly to herself. “She’s getting ready for trick or treat with Norah now. I’m sure she’ll be fine after the excitement tonight.”

Caroline frowns, still feeling that guilt low in her stomach, even as her eyes close again of their own volition.

“You should go get ready with her. I don’t think I’m up to it tonight.”

Hannah doesn’t say anything for several beats and Caroline forces her eyes to open again. In order to see the incredulous look Hannah is giving her. “If you think for one single second that I’m leaving you alone like this, you’re insane.”

It makes her feel cared for. In ways Caroline has rarely felt ever since being a kid – neither of her parents were much for overly coddling her or her brothers; she supposed having four kids did that to you. A warm feeling settled in her stomach, washing away much of the ugliness of her day.

So she has to push the words out, “No, you really don’t have to. I don’t want Abbie to be –”

“It’s trick or treat. Abbie’s going to go bananas for it no matter if I’m there or not, especially since she’s with your niece.”

“I’m not going to be good company. I’m…” She gestures at her head again, slumping further into Hannah’s touch. “So tired.”

“I think that’s allowed. I’ll be around for a while anyway. Just in case.” Hannah is frowning at her, anxiety written all over her face as her eyes slowly roam over Caroline’s features. She isn’t sure anyone has looked this closely at her before in her life.

She likes it, even if it is nerve-wracking. Like Hannah can see everything she is. And she forgets for a few long seconds why she doesn’t really want Hannah to be able to see everything.

Hannah walks with her to her bedroom and settles Caroline on the bed, going through her draws and pulling out a large, worn Suffolk Law sweatshirt and a pair of cotton shorts. And then she does stay.

Caroline isn’t sure how long, because she falls asleep almost as soon as she crawls under the blankets.

She wakes up to a letter on the pillow next to hers –

Call me if you need ANYTHING. Abbie’s being taken care of tomorrow, you just rest. Xxx

***

Hannah’s the one who calls her that night, though.