"A Desperate Cry for Comfort"

As the sobs continued to wrack your body, Hange's grip on you tightened, holding you close as if he could physically absorb your pain. His warm breath whispered against your ear, a gentle attempt to calm the storm raging inside you. The soft hum of his voice was a familiar lullaby, one that usually brought you peace, but today it was drowned out by the anguish that threatened to consume you. The doll, still clutched in your arms, felt like a tangible reminder of what you'd lost. Its soft, synthetic heartbeat seemed to mock you, a cruel contrast to the silence that now filled the space where your baby's tiny heart had once beaten. You couldn't bear to look at it, yet you couldn't bring yourself to let it go. As your cries began to subside, exhaustion took over, and your body went limp in Hange's arms. He gently rocked you back and forth, a soothing motion that usually brought you comfort. His hands stroked your hair, his fingers tracing the contours of your face as if searching for a way to reach the shattered pieces of your mind. The room around you began to blur, and your thoughts grew foggy. You felt like you were drifting away, lost in a sea of emotions, with no anchor to hold onto. Hange's voice was a distant murmur, his words indistinguishable, but the tone was one of gentle reassurance. Suddenly, you felt yourself being lifted, and Hange's arms cradled you against his chest. You didn't resist, too tired to fight, as he carried you out of the room and into a warm, soothing space. The sound of gentle water and the scent of lavender enveloped you, and you realized you were in the bathroom, surrounded by the familiar comforts of the shower. Hange gently set you down on the edge of the tub, and his hands began to work on the buttons of your shirt. His fingers moved with a tender deliberateness, as if trying not to startle you. You didn't protest, too numb to care, as he carefully removed your clothes and helped you into the warm water. The sensation of the water enveloping your skin was almost overwhelming, but in a good way. It was a gentle hug, a soothing balm for your frazzled nerves. Hange's hands washed your hair, his fingers massaging your scalp in a gentle, calming motion. You closed your eyes, letting the water and his touch wash away some of the pain. As the water continued to work its magic, you began to feel a tiny spark of calm ignite within you. It was fragile, easily extinguished, but it was there, a small flame of hope in the darkness. Hange's hands continued to move over your body, a gentle exploration, as if searching for the tender spots that needed the most comfort. You opened your eyes, and his gaze met yours, filled with a deep, abiding love. For a moment, you just looked at each other, the connection between you strong and unbreakable. In that moment, you knew you weren't alone, that Hange would hold you through this storm, no matter how dark it seemed. As the water continued to flow, you let your eyes drift closed, letting Hange's love and care wash over you, carrying you through the turbulent waters of grief.