Love in Torment

“Make it stop! Make it stop! Make them go away!” Aurora cried.

She was huddled in the corner of her room, rocking back and forth. She was holding a pillow to her head, pressed hard against her ears. All the lights were out, leaving only the dim light of the clouded moon to see her by.

“How long has she been like this?” Isabella whispered. Helen stood at her side in the doorway, her face crinkled and tear-streaked.

“Almost an hour,” Helen replied. “It's never been this bad before. I know I should call a doctor... but... we've had bad experiences with doctors. I thought you might be able to get through to her.”

Isabella wanted to run to her side and hold her. Was that the right thing to do? She was afraid it might set something off, make it worse somehow. Then Aurora wailed in a hoarse, low tone, a sound that pierced Isabella's soul. Before she could think, Isabella was crouched down with her arms around Aurora, moving with the rocking.

“It'll be okay, my love,” Isabella said. “There's nothing here to hurt you. It will go away soon. You will be fine. You're safe.” She squeezed tighter as Aurora's eyes met hers, seeming to focus for the first time. “The only people here are people who love you. We love you, Aurora.... I love you.”

Aurora's hyperventilation calmed as her eyes met Isabella's. “You do?” she whispered, her voice cracked from the strain of yelling.

Isabella froze. They had never exchanged those words before. What a strange situation to bring them out. After a moment's consideration, she nodded firmly and gazed into Aurora's eyes. Tears shimmered her vision.

“I love you,” Isabella repeated