Acknowledgements:
Omi as always
The BTN8rs - with apologies
The Numb3rs dot org crew - since I did the whole alphabet inspired by their challenge
Disclaimers:
"A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend" - Willow, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I do not own any Numb3rs characters nor do I have any rights to
anything related to the TV show Numb3rs. I plead fair use and claim
only my own writing and characters.
Not long after Charlie turned six he began experiencing night terrors.
At first, Don stayed in his bed listening as his parents would rush into Charlie's room to try to calm him. He'd eye his little brother warily the next day, uncertain if the horrible shrieking that jolted him from his sleep would somehow manifest during daylight hours.
One night his parents were out late and the babysitter fell asleep on the couch. When Charlie cried out she didn't hear him. Don lay in bed torn between his fear of the horrible shrieking and his concern for his brother.
When he finally realized no one would come, Don got up and headed nervously to Charlie's room.
When he opened the door he saw Charlie thrashing about, hitting himself even in his sleep.
Don automatically rushed to him and pulled his arms down, pinning him in an awkward embrace.
Charlie struggled against him until Don soothed in his best big brother voice, "It's okay, Charlie. I won't let anything hurt you."
At that moment the absolute truth of that statement hit him. He knew he'd do whatever it took to keep Charlie safe.
Don slept in Charlie's bed that night, despite how little room there was. The next day he set up his sleeping bag on the floor next to Charlie's bed, determined to stay as long as it took to chase away the nightmare monsters tormenting his brother.
The night terrors dropped off sharply and within about two weeks they were gone.
Don stayed an extra week to be sure.