Erin had not been expecting a hug, and she jumped as Hailey touched her. When she realized that Hailey’s contact was benevolent, she lost all control, and for the first time since her father’s death, she visibly gave in to her emotions. She started sobbing.
Hailey sat down on the edge of Erin’s bed with her, where it wasn’t wet, and continued hugging her, as Erin sobbed onto her shoulder. “My dad’s gone, I want my dad back, I didn’t mean to pee all over the bed, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, I want dad!”
“It’ll be okay, Erin. You’ll get through this.” She hugged Erin tighter. Erin continued sobbing without words.
Eventually, Erin managed to calm down a bit. “I’m sorry,” she offered.