Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
Hunter
She fainted.
I’ve seen it happen before.
Panic attacks, trauma, dehydration .
It’s not uncommon. Saw it plenty in the military.
I place her on the bed, still wrapped in the towel.
But something about leaving her like that feels wrong.
Exposed.
So I dress her.
I know I’m overstepping.
It’s a line I shouldn’t cross, but waking up naked would only make things worse.
She’s already lost enough control.
I find something simple.
A satin sleep set. The top has buttons.
Feels… less invasive.
I don’t look. Not really.
I move carefully. Mechanically.
Once she’s clothed, I grab the soft grey blanket from the couch and drape it over her.
Make sure she’s warm.
Then I start moving.
I need to keep busy.
I refill her water glass and place it on the nightstand.
Plug her phone in to charge.
She might want it first thing.
Something normal to reach for.
I fix the bedroom door.
It wasn’t broken. Just dislodged from the frame when I kicked it in.
Small things. Things I can control.
She sleeps for hours.
I should leave. Give her space.
I check in every so often.
Sit in the chair. Watch her chest rise and fall.
Sometimes I pace. Sometimes I pretend I’m not listening for her to make a sound.