Trasea's House

"Hey," He said while tilting her face up so she was looking at him, "We'll get through this, I promise."

She nodded, "I know." she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying

He kissed her. "Put a smile on that beautiful face of yours." He said sweetly before smiling his smile.

She smiled weakly and and kissed him

"Ben are you ok?" Trace asked worriedly.

Ben was traumatized from watching Staysea light herself on fire

"Aww Ben come here kiddo." He said and kneeled down to Ben's level.

"Mommeee twyed to huut hew sewf" he whispered

Trace nodded. "I know." He said.

"Why?"

"Sometimes when grown ups are sad, it feels better for them if they hurt themselves." He said. "See?" He held up his scarred wrists.

"But mommeee had fiwwwwe"

"Well it doesn't matter which way you do it. Sometimes it just helps us feel better even though it's not a good thing to do."

He peaked around Trace to Staysea, "Awww you otay, mommmeee?"
"Yes, sweetie, I'm fine"

Trace was sad so he didn't say anything more. He just sat up against the wall and stared at his wrists.

Staysea hugged him,

Trace rested his head on his knees.

"Please don't be upset." she murmured to him.

"Ok." He said simply.

She hugged him tightly and kissed him

He buried his head in her chest. "Ben come here." He said, opening his arms, beckoning for him to come.

Ben toddled over

Trace moved so he was sitting criss cross applesauce. He patted his lap, beckoning for Ben to sit.

Ben sat

"Are you sure you're ok Ben?" Trace asked, snuggling with Ben.