Elena gently guided Kimberly to sit on the edge of her bed.
The room was quiet, the soft rustle of curtains and faint chirping from outside the only sounds breaking the silence.
She knelt slightly in front of Kimberly, her expression soft but serious.
"How are you feeling, Kimberly?" Elena asked, her voice calm but filled with concern. "Were you hurt in any way?"
Kimberly managed a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"No, ma'am. I'm fine physically. Just… everything feels so overwhelming right now. Like I can't even catch my breath."
Elena wrapped an arm around Kimberly's shoulders, pulling her into a comforting side hug.
"You've been through a lot, and it's okay to feel shaken.
You don't have to explain anything to anyone until you're ready. Take your time, alright?"
Kimberly nodded slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit under Elena's warmth.
