29

"I'll always be here, baby. To protect you, to calm you, to make you smile and laugh. Just like how you do for me."

He sat still, hands rubbing her back slowly and continuously as she rested her body on top of his. Silence surrounded both of them.

Dario hated feeling this helpless when it came to her.

Not being able to do anything to make her talk to him, to cry on his chest or just... be his sunshine again.

But he waited patiently. He wanted Madie to be prepared when she talked to him, be open and comfortable, not forced. He'll let her talk to him when she's ready.

He let her run in her own time, but he still couldn't help but be worried.

Now, Madie stayed quiet as her fingers held her colorful markers tightly, a small quiver in her movement made Dario realize that something still frightened her.

Her hands continued to color the inks in his body, the dark lines being colored pretty as Madeline'