Sydney running her fingers through her hair reminded Zoe of the times when she had been younger and had had nightmares. Jared never came to comfort her after she was nearing seven. But Carly and Sydney always were willing to stay with her and comfort her after a nightmare. Their mother would linger for as long as she could but Jared was strict on toughening his kids.
The tension and stress that had filled Zoe over the last four months slowly dissipated as she fell asleep, the feeling of safety with her sister a welcome comfort.