The room began to empty. 'Listen nibbles, we are going to take it easy but you need to sleep. What we are going to do is get you to sleep for fifteen minutes, then I'll wake you up, and we can see how it goes, I won't let anyone do anything. Lofty is going to stay here whilst I go and fetch some provisions for us, don't worry I'll be back in two minutes' Cal assured him.
Cal returned moments later with some drinks and some more blankets for Ethan. He wrapped the blankets around his brother before dimming the lights, Ethan refused for the lights to be completely off because he was still too scared. Cal held his hand as he eventually succumbed to the sleep. Fifteen minutes passed and Cal woke Ethan.
As Ethan sat up, opening his eyes, his colour drained of colour. He lurched forward. Thankfully Cal reacted quickly and held a bowl in front of him as his brother threw up. 'It's alright nibbles, you are going to be alright' Cal soothed as he stroked his back. Ethan settled back onto the bed.
'I'm going to let you sleep now for a bit longer, don't worry I'm staying here and I will wake you up after half an hour' Cal told him. Ethan snuggled up under the duvet. His eyes slowly drooping shut.
A short while later and the room was filled with screams. Ethan was thrashing about on the bed, sobbing, screaming, crying and yelling as his sleep was plagued with nightmares. Cal jumped up and rushed over. He grabbed his brother and held him down.
'Ethan calm down, you're safe, don't worry' Cal soothed. Ethan woke up breathing heavily and grabbed his brother.
'Sorry' he whimpered as he slowly calmed down. Cal cradled his brother and helped him settle down in the bed. He laid next to him holding his brother in his arms as Ethan explained what had happened, the police had been shown in to the room and were asking questions. Ethan finally got to sleep and Cal slept beside him, his arms wrapped protectively around his brother.
In the coming weeks Ethan would be discharged from hospital, both he and Cal were permitted to take some time off so that Ethan could recover with the support he needed from his brother. The news came that Bonnie had been charged with attempted murder alongside the two bullies who had beaten and attacked him. Ethan was relieved but was still a long way from returning to normal. Thankfully he had his brother by his side.