Chapter 56: The Aftermath

(Eret's POV)

Becky stays in bed for five days straight. I bring her meals, comfort her when she needs comforting, and make sure she sleeps soundly.

Our daughter Ruby is staying with my dad and Amalie for the time being, both of them knowing I need to focus on taking care of my wife for the time being.

When my wife wakes up from another night terror about being attacked by Michael, Stephen and Drago, I'm quick to comfort her when she breaks out of her screaming.

"I'm here, love. I'm here."

My wife leans on me, in tears, and I do whatever I can to comfort her.

Hiccup had kindly made a rocking chair for us in his spare time, so I wouldn't have to rock Becky on my own, without a rocking chair.

I wrap my wife up in a blanket and carry her downstairs, and I hold her in the rocking chair and we just rock.

I hum our song – All That You Are – to her, and I think it brings her some comfort.

"Eret?" She asks, speaking for the first time in almost a week.

"Yes, my darling?"

"Thank you for taking care of me."

"You're welcome, my love. And I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Can I do anything else for you?"

She shakes her head and then leans her head on my shoulder. I continue rocking her, knowing that this rocking chair was a good investment.

She doesn't close her eyes, for every time she does, memories of the attack come back to her.

When she eventually does fall asleep, I'm quick to rub her shoulder when she starts whimpering in her sleep. Silent tears fall down my cheeks.

I begin to sob, holding my wife close to me, as if she's died. Another part of her has died, and it's a part no one can ever get back.

There's a knock at the door, and I pick up my wife and hold her close as I open the door.

It's Tuffnut.

"Hey, how's she doing?"

"She can't sleep. And, frankly, neither can I."

"You want me to watch her while you get some sleep."

"Thank you, but no. She needs me."

"You won't be able to comfort her if you're exhausted."

"I know that. But she still needs me."

"Eret…"

"Thank you for the offer, Tuffnut."

"You're welcome. You know where I'll be if you need me."

Tuffnut leaves and I resume holding Becky in the rocking chair. Eventually, I fall asleep myself, holding her close.

I know that what she went through has forever changed her, and forever changed me, as well. But I won't leave her, no matter what.

She needs me now more than ever.