I did not hear the ascending footsteps nor have I realized laughter coming from downstairs. I did not feel someone carefully sitting on the edge of the bed and watching me as I laid curled up upon the bed. It had taken me too long to finally cry myself to sleep the previous night and the sleep bestowed upon me was not so sound, either. Gentle fingers traced a wet lock off my forehead and it was that gentleness which called me back from my chaotic nightmares. I clinged to that touch in my mindscape and opened my swollen eyes to see him smiling at me.