Red finally opened up. He woke up before her and had a bowl of soup. She gently came out and went over to him. He looked exhausted as he paused.

"Nightmares." She glanced at him as he paused. "Visions... bad memories... dark past..." He trembled as she rubbed his back. "I want to be left alone... They won't though-" She hugged him close as he shed a tear.

"I'll help you... I'll protect you..."

~~~

She started by gently letting him help her more at work. With his mind occupied, he didn't faze out at random times. She watched as he gently helped a child get some things from the stall to go give to her mother.

Even during the deliveries, she had him help her out. And it seemed to keep him from zoning out. She smiled at that.

When at home, he zoned out just after getting her stuff in. She paused before speaking.

"Red. The door." He blinked before closing the door and mumbling something under his breath.