Chapter 88: After It All
(Eret's POV)
It's been a week since Becky's fear came true, and after a steady diet of just fluids over the course of a week, Gothi allows her to go home to get some proper rest.
It's slow going from Gothi's hut – which is now thankfully on ground level – to our home, but Becky manages to make it without tripping even once.
Her adoptive family, my dad and Amalie are all there to welcome her home.
"Welcome home, sis."
"Thanks, Tuff." Becky says as she leans on me.
Amalie places our crying Ruby in Becky's arms, and Ruby instantly quiets, content being with her mother.
"We'll help out as best we can while you recover at home, sweetheart." Lily tells her adoptive daughter.
"Thanks, Mom."
"Our pleasure."
I help Becky upstairs to our bedroom and get her settled into bed as delicately as possible.
"Are you afraid I'll break into pieces, Eret?" My wife asks.
"Now that you mention it, I am."
"I'm fine, Eret. No need to be afraid of hurting me."
"But saying that doesn't make me less afraid, love."
"I understand."
I smile softly at my wife as she falls asleep.
I head downstairs to let her sleep and to chat with my loved ones.
"How is she?" Ruffnut asks.
"She's exhausted. I think the past two weeks have been more emotionally taxing than anything."
"Our poor girl." Lily says.
"But she's stronger than ever before, Lily. Even after a diet of nothing but liquids."
"I'm glad she's recovered from this."
"Me, too. But I think it'll be a while before she's emotionally recovered from this. She barely wanted me to leave her side during the past week, but I don't blame her."
"Who would?" Amalie asks.
"I don't know...I'm just glad she's alive. Every ounce of pain she's felt over the past week – I've wanted to take it all away from her."
"Eret?"
At the sound of wife's voice calling out for me, I rush upstairs, leaving our guests behind.
"Yes, love?"
"Can you please stay with me? I had a nightmare about my fear, and when I woke up, you weren't next to me."
"Of course, my darling. I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?"
"Just to tell our family that you need me."
"We can hear you from down here, Eret! If she needs you, she needs you." Tuffnut calls to me.
"Thank you!" I reply before settling down next to my wife in bed. I hold her close, gently rocking her and humming our song to her.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, my love?" I ask my wife.
"No...I don't think so. Thank you, though, Eret."
"You're welcome. Try to go back to sleep, okay?"
My wife nods, and she eventually goes back to sleep.
Silent tears fall down my cheeks, knowing how close we were to losing her.
I don't know how long it'll take for her to emotionally recover from this, but I will be there for her every step of the way.