Laura sat there in fear, hiding her face behind both arms. Her body trembled visibly, as if even the air around her felt threatening.
Atlas slowly lowered himself to the floor and sat cross-legged in front of her, watching her quietly, giving her space while staying close enough to be present.
"Laura, you're safe right now. I'm here," he said.
But the girl was clearly still lost in her trauma, her mind unable to settle.
She needed time.
"Everyone is dead…" she whispered shakily. "They were screaming… calling my name… and I just stood there. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't stop it. I couldn't even move…"
Atlas gave a small nod and allowed a moment of silence to pass.
"You can stay here," he said after a while. "I'll stay with you."
"However…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "If you want to leave, I can take you somewhere else. Somewhere more…" He hesitated again. "Safe."
"What do you think?" he asked softly.
