Catch Me, I'm Falling

Sammy kept rubbing Gabriel's back.

Gabriel coughed again, but relaxed slightly.

Sammy held Gabriel close. "You never told anyone before now, did you?"

Gabriel shook his head. "Who would I t-tell...? My grandpa? ...I-I left that night..."

Sammy nodded. "I understand." she said. "Does it help you feel any better, just getting it off your chest?"

"I...I dunno..." Gabriel coughed, slowly sitting up properly as he tried to calm down.

"It will," said Sammy. "Take it from someone who's been there, once you know you don't have to hide it anymore, it doesn't hurt as much."

Gabriel gave a small nod, laying his head on his knees.

Sammy smiled softly. "You'll be okay, I promise, it gets easier."

"What if it doesn't?" Gabriel asked quietly.

"It will," said Sammy.

Gabriel gave a small smile, looking at Sammy.

"It got better for me, it'll get better for you too," said Sammy.

"Oh...that's good." Gabriel said, running a hand through his hair.

Sammy smiled softly. "You rest," she said, softly, pulling the remote to the tv out of the drawer of the stand by the bed. "I'll finish looking you over once you've had some time to calm down."

"Okay..." Gabriel said quietly, moving to hug her.

Sammy hugged Gabriel tight. "If you ever need anything, if you wanna talk, or even if you just need a hug, I'm here."

Gabriel smiled and nodded. "Thanks."

"Anytime hun," said Sammy, moving to get up.

Gabriel wrapped Adam's blanket back around himself as he watched Sammy.

Sammy smiled at Gabriel before heading downstairs

Gabriel sighed and laid down, curling up and falling asleep.

Sammy sat down on the couch, head in her hands, tears in her eyes.

"Sammy?" Adam asked when he noticed her, having been half asleep.

Sammy didn't move.