Nate noticed her shaky breath and standing a little too long in the fridge door. He served up Hunters food, baby carrots and sliced apples with peanut butter. Nate then went over to Dakota and hugged her from behind, tucking his nose into her hair so Hunter wouldn't notice. "Whats wrong, baby?" he whispered gently, kissing her cheek.

"Nothing." She lied, a tear rolling down her face as she hastily swiped it away

Nate sighed, "Come here..." he whispered, gently spinning her around and hugging her. He took the food off the burner so it wouldn't burn before turning all his attention to her. "You're okay... you're safe..." he whispered to her.

Dakota tried to hold it together best as she could in front of Hunter, just tucking her face into Nate's shoulder and neck. She trembled slightly, her mind telling her she wasn't really safe and that her mother was coming. You're safe. Nate's words reached the darkest part of her mind and she slowly stopped trembling. She kept her eyes squeezed shut and her face tucked, though, and her arms around him. Hunter waddled over and tugged on Nate's pantleg. "Daddy? All done." He said with a smile

Nate held her tight. Nate glanced down at the boy and smiled. "Okay, why don't you go play with some of your toys?" Hunter nodded, "Whats wrong with mommy?" Hunter asked. "Shes just feeling a little sad," Nate explained gently. Hunter nodded and hugged Dakotas leg.

Dakota didn't stop the tears before she glanced at Hunter. "Go, buddy."

Hunter nodded and let go, "I hope you feel better, mommy," Hunter replied before running off to go play. Nates attention fully turned to Dakota as Hunter ran off. He held her tight. "Do you wanna talk about it? Or just need some love?" he asked gently.

"I don't know how to do it.....Be here for you and Hunter...be a good mom..." She muttered

"Baby, you are here for us, you are a good mom,"

"I can't....I can't do it..."