I was slumped over the counter, practically asleep. I didn’t get any rest last night because I stayed awake to make sure Trinity didn’t have another nightmare. Listening to her scream and cry while she kicked an invisible foe away from her broke my heart. I knew what her dream was about, and now my biggest regret was not killing that gorilla when I had the chance.
Nothing happened to Trinity, and the most the guy did was grab her by the wrist. But the threat was still terrifying. I didn’t know what he said to her because I never asked, but I’m sure he said something that would make me snap.
I didn’t blame her for being scarred.
I wish I’d never walked into the water. I never should have left her side. All of this was my fault. The guy threatened to rape her, to take her against her will. Who wouldn’t be terrified of that?
I was embarrassed of my own sex. The fact any man would corner a small woman and make such a threat was despicable. I wanted to round them all up then execute them without mercy.
I would never let anything like that happen to my wife—to any girl, actually.
Not being able to sleep and being depressed made me slouch at work. I moved at a snail’s pace and couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes. But it was worth it. Trinity was able to sleep peacefully.
Dad walked inside the shop then glanced at the boys. After saying a quick hello, he approached the counter. His eyes narrowed on my face. “Son, you look like shit.”
“Are you looking in a mirror?”
He chuckled. “Didn’t sleep much last night?”
“I didn’t sleep at all.”
He cringed. “Spare me the details, kid.”
“No, not because of that.” I wish that was why. “Trinity was having nightmares. I stayed awake just in case she had another one.”
He leaned over the counter and a sad look came into his eyes. “She okay?”
I shrugged. “She’s afraid to walk home at night, she’s timid, and now she can’t sleep.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t know how to fix this. I make her feel safe and I promise to protect her from everything…but it’s not enough.”
Dad rubbed the tattoo around his ring finger. “These things take time. Be patient with her.”
“I’ll be as patient as she needs. I hate seeing her like this. I never should have walked into that water.” I shook my head and looked down.
“It’s not your fault, Slade.”
“No, it is my fault. She’s my wife. I’m supposed to protect her.”
“Assholes like him do this all the time. They know how to lurk and make their move. Don’t blame yourself.”
“This guy was huge, Dad. If I didn’t know Krav Maga—”
“It didn’t happen.” He gave me a hard look. “That’s all that matters.”
I didn’t agree with that. “What do I do, Dad? I’m already doing a terrible job as a husband.”
“No, you aren’t,” he said firmly. “Just be there for her. That’s all you can do. Walk her home until she no longer needs you to walk her home. Get her some mace or teach her self defense.”
I turned to him after he spoke his final words. “Hmm…that’s not a bad idea.”
“What?”
“Self-defense. I like it.”
“You’re going to teach her Krav Maga?” Dad asked in surprise.
“No. Just a few punches and maneuvers.”
“Slade, unless she gets a black belt in karate she’ll never be able to fend off an attacker twice her size. She hardly weighs a hundred pounds.”
“I know,” I said. “But it’ll make her feel better. When she feels empowered she’ll go back to normal.”
Dad shrugged. “It’s an idea. Give it a shot.”
“I will.”