Colby's POV
It broke my heart seeing Julia like this. It was hard seeing such a strong girl be so broken.
She had been through so much that I couldn't blame her even a little bit.
I just wished I could make it better.
I sat with her all night, trying to just be there for her while she hid away behind my dresser.
She looked so uncomfortable and would probably feel a little more normal if she could get a nice warm shower, but I wasn't going to pressure her.
Clearly this whole experience was extremely traumatic and she was going to have a hard time for a while.
We spent all night sitting on the floor before Julia shifted slightly.
It couldn't have been comfortable being smashed against the wall with her legs tucked to her chest.
"You okay?" I whispered and looked over at her. I watched her eyes fill with tears as she shook her head.
"I can help you, sweetheart. I won't hurt you." I said gently as I reached my hand out to her. She flinched slightly then looked at me.
Her eyes were bloodshot and wide with a fear that was so deep seeded that I didn't know if I would ever get my Julia back again.
She reached over and took my hand after staring at me for a minute. I sighed with relief and gently ran my thumb along her knuckles.
"How about a nice hot shower and a change of clothes. That might make you feel a little better." I suggested as she flinched.
"Only if you want, sweetheart. No pressure." I said as she sniffled and looked away from me.
It was hard seeing her like this, it was almost like she wasn't even in there.
She was a shell of a human, scared to do anything. It absolutely broke my heart.
After a second she looked over at me again and nodded.
"Yeah?" I asked with a hint of hope that she would come out from her hiding spot.
I felt my heart soar as she nodded again. "Okay, let's get you up." I said then stood up, reaching my hands out of her.
Julia sniffled and took my hands with hesitation, letting me help her up.
"Shower or bath?" I asked as we slowly made our way towards the bathroom. "Shower." Julia mumbled, her voice cracking.
"Okay. Do you want me to help you?" I asked as I walked towards the shower, turning the water on and checking the temperature.
When I turned towards her again she was looking down, picking her nails.
"Hey." I said and walked up to her, taking her hands. "I need you to know how much I love you." I said then took her hands and brought them to my lips.
"You're away from those horrible people now and I promise that no matter what, I'm gonna take care of you." I said as her eyes watered.
"Whatever makes you more comfortable, we'll do. If you want me to help you, I will. No matter what it is." I explained as she nodded, a tear slipping down.
"Do you want me to help you?" I asked and wiped her tears away. She shook her head then looked towards the bathroom door.
"Okay, I'll be here when you're done. Take your time and call if you need me." I said then kissed her forehead.
I felt her flinch but tried to ignore it. I knew she had been touched by a lot of people who didn't respect or love her.
It was going to be hard to break down that wall of fear, but I was going to be patient and gentle with her.
