She hated to put him through more trauma, but he had asked. He had given her permission to speak of what she had done and Elisabeth hoped it would settle some of his nerves in some way.
She gave his hand a gentle squeeze when she felt his fingers wrap around hers, and she allowed herself to smile sadly, relieved that he wasn't screaming at her or rejecting her. "Thank you, Arthur," she whispered, placing a kiss to his cheek. Still holding his hand, albeit tighter, she asked, "Can I sleep with you tonight?" Odd how the adult was pleading to stay in the child's bed. And yet, she was doing it for the both of them. Offering and seeking comfort, stability, reassurance, safety, acceptance.