There were so many things that Nicolette had suppressed over the years. It seemed like she was letting them all out in one big cry. She couldn't pinpoint one solitary incident that was worse than any other, but it was all these things together that had worn her down to this. She wanted to tell Charlie that she was okay, but her body just would not let her. Somewhere between sobbing and breathing, Nicky found the strength to mumble a quick "thank you" but that was the most she could get out for what seemed like forever.
When she was finally able to get a grip on her emotions, Nicky wiped her face with her shirt and tried to regain some of her composure. She was so drained by the incident that she didn't have it left in her to feel embarrassed that Charlie had been the one to find her. She was slightly thankful it wasn't someone who would use it as ammunition against her later. That would've been the worst outcome.
"I'm sorry," Nicky finally said aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes and cheeks were worn raw by the tears and her head had begun to ache. "I never realized I--." She was at a loss for words to describe how things had taken this turn.