"A Fragile Sanctuary"

The sound of the door creaking open was the only warning I had before Darry stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me, lying on the bed. I had been lost in my grief, and the sudden presence of my brother made me jump, my heart racing with surprise. I hadn't realized how long I had been asleep, but the fading light outside the window told me it had been hours. Darry's expression was a mix of concern and sadness as he walked towards me, his eyes taking in the sight of my tear-stained face. He didn't say a word, just sat down on the edge of the bed and reached out to gently brush a strand of hair out of my face. His touch was warm and comforting, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked up at him. I expected him to say something, to try and comfort me with words, but instead, he just sat there, his hand on my face, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. It was as if he understood that I didn't need words right now, that I just needed to feel safe and comforted. Without a word, Darry slid onto the bed beside me, his arms opening wide to envelop me in a warm hug. I felt a surge of emotion as I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tight. It was a gentle, comforting hold, not a tight or constricting one. He just held me, letting me know that he was there, that he cared. As I lay there in his arms, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was the same fragile peace I had felt earlier, but this time, it was amplified by Darry's presence. I felt safe, protected, and comforted. For the first time since Dally's death, I felt like I wasn't alone. We lay there in silence for what felt like an eternity, the only sound the beating of our hearts and the creaking of the old house. Darry didn't try to talk, didn't try to fill the silence with empty words. He just held me, letting me process my emotions, letting me grieve. As the darkness outside deepened, Darry shifted slightly, pulling me closer to him. I felt his warmth, his breath on my hair, and I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be. I was home, surrounded by the memories of Dally, and held in the arms of my brother. For now, that was enough.