Realizing it was a nightmare, Zack set the gun down and approached the bed cautiously. He sat on the edge, leaning over to gently shake her shoulder.
"Nia, baby wake up. It's just a dream," he said softly, his voice steady but filled with concern.
Her eyes flew open, wide and glassy with panic. She gasped for air, her chest heaving as she looked around frantically.
"It's okay, baby. You're safe," Zack said, his hand resting lightly on her arm. "It was just a dream."
Nia's breaths came in shallow gasps, and tears welled in her eyes. "It felt so real," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"But it wasn't," Zack assured her. "You're here, with me and Pixel. Nothing can hurt you now."
She buried her face in her hands, trying to steady herself. Zack hesitated before gently pulling her into his arms. She didn't resist, clinging to him as she let the tears fall.
"I'm sorry," she murmured.
