Alex and I met in what felt like a whirlwind romance; it didn’t take long for us to decide that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. We chose to wait, keeping our relationship purely emotional and spiritual, which honestly made us connect on a level I didn’t know existed.

With a guarded heart, Alex hinted at a dark chapter from his childhood, one he wasn’t ready to share.

During our wedding planning, hints of Alex’s past and his secret started to appear more often. Though I noticed that, I didn’t want to push him into sharing something he wasn’t ready to reveal. Even when I tried to express my concerns, my mother-in-law Mrs. Green would quickly dismiss them, assuring me everything was fine.

For me, Alex’s mom was not just a mother-in-law but a friend and confidante. When it came time to pick out presents for Alex’s birthday and Christmas, she was my go-to advisor, ensuring each gift was both meaningful and personal.

The gesture that sealed our bond was when she entrusted me with their family heirloom ring. It was not only a piece of jewelry but it was also a welcoming into the family, a testament to the loving and trusting relationship we shared.

After our amazing wedding day, Alex and I were completely worn out by the time we got to our room.

As I waited in bed, wearing my best garments, I heard him whispering something to his mom Mrs. Green behind the door.

“Mom, I can’t do it. Can you come in?”

I opened the door . I sheepishly pulled the covers up to my chin and stared at them in disbelief.

“What’s going on?”

After a brief moment of silence, during which Mrs. Green seemingly calculated her response, she turned to her son, wide-eyed. “Wait. Have you told her about the—”

Alex shook his head. “Then do! What have you been thinking about?! The poor thing must be thinking we’re a pair of weirdos!”

Alex looked me deep in the eye before heaving a sigh and beginning to unravel his biggest secret.

“When I was just 5 years old, the unthinkable happened—a burglar shattered the peace of our home by breaking in through my bedroom window. That night, under the cover of darkness, my world changed forever. The intruder’s silh:ou:et: te, a menacing presence in my sanctuary, left me frozen in terror, unable to cry out or escape. The aftermath of that violation was a deep, pervasive fear that clung to me, long after the broken glass was swept away and the window secured.

“In the nights that followed, my bedroom felt like a battlefield, each shadow a reminder of my vulnerability. Sleep, once a refuge, became an insurmountable challenge. But in the midst of my fear, my mother became my guardian angel.

“Night after night, she sat by my bed, her presence a beacon of safety in the darkness. With the soft timbre of her voice, she’d weave stories of courage and adventure, heroes who faced their fears and emerged victorious. Her words, gentle and reassuring, were a balm to my frightened soul, coaxing me toward the calm shores of sleep.

“These bedtime stories, more than mere tales, became our ritual, a shared journey back to a sense of normalcy and security. My mother’s unwavering patience and love taught me that, even in the face of paralyzing fear, there is a wellspring of strength within us, a resilience that can be nurtured and grown.

“Since that terrifying night, my mother has been my steadfast companion in the quest for peace as I drift off to sleep, her presence a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.”

I was in shock when learning Alex’s secret, a mix of emotions swirling within me. Initially, there was shock, the depth of his trauma more profound than I’d imagined. Then came understanding, a realization of the weight he’d been carrying all these years. My heart ached for him, for the child he was and the man he’s become.

With this knowledge, there was also a strengthening of resolve to be the support he needs. Love, after all, means standing together, especially in the face of hidden battles.

“So… how do I help you?” I asked, taking his hand. The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned warm and fuzzy, like a fluffy blanket.

“When Alex is feeling anxious or overwhelmed, especially at night, cuddling him in a specific way has always helped soothe him,” Mrs. Green began, her voice calm and reassuring. “Hold him close, with his head resting near your heart. It’s a method that’s comforted him since he was a child.

“Though he’s mostly outgrown the need for this, his anxiety can still get the better of him during stressful times. It’s important to be patient and understanding, offering him that physical reassurance. This approach has often been the key to helping him find peace and fall asleep.”

In that tender night, I cuddled Alex in the way his mother had described. I felt a profound connection between us. His head rested near my heart, and gradually, his tense body relaxed into the embrace. In spite of the initial shock of learning about his anxiety, understanding washed over me, bringing a deep sense of empathy and readiness to support him.

As Alex finally drifted off to sleep, the weight of his worries appeared to lighten. Witnessing this moment, Mrs. Green quietly left the room with a silent nod of approval and gratitude in her eyes. It was clear she was at peace, knowing her son was in caring hands.

After that pivotal night, Alex and I have opened up more, really diving deep into understanding and supporting each other’s needs. Learning to soothe his anxiety became a part of our life, and honestly, it’s brought us closer.

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