Zumi? Zumi, wake up.
His soft, hoarse voice helped her get back to reality, and when she finally opened her eyes, she felt tears running down her cheeks.
Chase? she whispered, smiling slightly as her boyfriend placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Another nightmare? he asked, taking zume by the paw.
She just nodded, resting her head on Chase's strong chest.
She took a deep, painful breath and closed her eyes again.
A single tear escaped and landed on his fur.
Do you want to talk about it? he asked, starting to stroke her head tenderly.
Zuma raised her head and the tears returned.
I saw you die ... she muttered in a slightly trembling voice ... You and the others ... you all died because of me ... She shook her head ... I couldn't save you in time. I let you down.
You haven't let anyone down, zumi ... Chase replied, lifting her chin. He pressed her muzzle against hers, smiling as she kissed her back ... Nobody died ... Nothing happened. It was just in your head.
it seemed so real ... said zuma ... She watched as the others disappeared ... and then you died in my paws ... She closed her mouth and choked on the words.
Chase just hugged her tighter.
I'm here, zumii ... tried to assure her ... And I'm not going anywhere ... He paused for a second, then asked her ... Do you think the nightmare was because of today? You took a hit for me in that fight with Sweetie
Maybe. she replied.
She winced slightly as Chase's paw traveled to her stomach, where Sweetie stabbed her with a dagger.
He bandaged her, blood leaking slightly through the cloth.
She heard Chase's soft sigh, felt him shake her head at what he saw.
Still can't heal yourself? he wondered aloud.
We have been following Sweetie for days without interruption ... she replied
Chase understood.
He too was exhausted.
Though it was nothing compared to what poor zuma felt.
He could see that she was much more tired than she had expected.
I shouldn't have asked.
No, chase, it's okay ... his girlfriend said ... I know, you're worried.
She slowly sat up, her paw wrapped around her stomach and the other one reaching for Chase's.
She watched as he pulled her closer to him and hugged her.
His warmth enveloped her, causing her body to finally stop shaking.
She pressed herself tighter against his body and closed her tired eyes.
Thank you, chase ... she whispered ... You somehow improve my sleepless nights a lot.
Chase kissed the top of her head, chuckling softly.
That's one of the reasons I'm here, zumii ... he told her, squeezing her paw ... You know I'll always be there for you.
