Day 17: Held.

leaning your head on my shoulder
wrapping an arm around me
tears begin to flow
burying your face in my shirt
hands gripping a handful of fabric
shaking, gasping, sobbing
holding on so tight
I can barely breathe.
Wrapping my arms tightly
around you
petting your hair
whispering words of comfort
tears drip along with yours
the harder you shake,
the tighter I hug.
holding, rocking, praying
begging for your release
needing you to be okay.
absorbing your pain
feeling your sadness
face pressed against your hair
breathing your sweet scent
listening to your cries
feeling your shakes
knowing the look on your face
too well.
gentle whisper
“you’re the bravest girl I know”
cuddle tighter
rest until the storm passes.
release for a time.