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CHAPTER 5

Hunter

She fainted.

I’ve seen it happen before.

Panic attacks, trauma, dehydration .

It’s not uncommon. Saw it plenty in the military.

I place her on the bed, still wrapped in the towel.

But something about leaving her like that feels wrong.

Exposed.

So I dress her.

I know I’m overstepping.

It’s a line I shouldn’t cross, but waking up naked would only make things worse.

She’s already lost enough control.

I find something simple.

A satin sleep set. The top has buttons.

Feels… less invasive.

I don’t look. Not really.

I move carefully. Mechanically.

Once she’s clothed, I grab the soft grey blanket from the couch and drape it over her.

Make sure she’s warm.

Then I start moving.

I need to keep busy.

I refill her water glass and place it on the nightstand.

Plug her phone in to charge.

She might want it first thing.

Something normal to reach for.

I fix the bedroom door.

It wasn’t broken. Just dislodged from the frame when I kicked it in.

Small things. Things I can control.

She sleeps for hours.

I should leave. Give her space.

I check in every so often.

Sit in the chair. Watch her chest rise and fall.

Sometimes I pace. Sometimes I pretend I’m not listening for her to make a sound.