Chapter 4 – How to drive away your fears

He was climbing up the stairs, happy to be home again.

Of course his two girls would already be asleep – it was quite late after all.

His smile froze on his lips as he saw the note that hung on the door.

«Dear Mr. Jane…»

No. No, that couldn't be happening. Please, let that be only a cruel joke, nothing more.

No…

"Wake up, Patrick! Wake up!"

He finally opened his eyes, desperately trying to blink away the tears. He didn't want the child to see him like that.

"You had a nightmare, hadn't you'?", she asked, gently running her fingers through his hair.

"Yeah", he admitted – his voice still shaky. "But I'm okay. I can deal with it. I always do".

He paused for a moment. "I'm sorry I woke you up".

"It's okay. You come to me when I scream at night. I can do the same for you".

Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you", he whispered into her hair.

"I can sleep in your bed, if that makes you feel better. My mum usually did, when I had nightmares".

"I… yes. Please".

Daisy slipped under the blankets and huddled close to him.

In the morning – as she brought them muffins for breakfast, like she did every week-end – Lisbon found them still asleep, both of their faces as peaceful as they probably hadn't been for a very long time.