Greg watched in a slight of hypnotized wonder as Theo seemed to pause and then moved with even purpose to the wall. There wasn't a sound as the other boy curled up into ball, except for the noises of the other boys sleeping in the room. Greg stayed where he was, frozen in his spot, as he watched and waited and Theo did not move.
After what seemed far too long, Greg slid out of bed, and moved towards his friend until he was a foot or two away from him. Greg's idea was simple. The other boy needed to be in bed, not huddled against the wall. He spoke, his voice still a whisper.
"Theo? It's me, Greg. Let me get you into bed. Come on buddy, you can't sleep on the floor," and he bent closer, "I'm going to touch you and I don't want you to be afraid," and then Greg offered some advice he was not feeling, "It will be okay."
"You are safe," he said in a whisper as he squatted down next to his friend and reach out to touch his shoulder. Greg was ready to spring back if a fist came flying. If there wasn't one, he was going to scoop him up, and carry him back to Theo's bed.