Coping Strategy

"Don’t....... don't fucking touch her! No, don't you dare come close to me. No, stop it, stop saying that to me. I didn't do it, it wasn't me. Please......" Brett's cries had Daisy swerving up in the bed, her heart thudding violently. She fought for breath, glancing wild-eyed at the man thrashing next to her. He was snarling like an angry beast, his hands fisted and his legs kicking restlessly.

Daisy moved back, afraid he would strike out at her unknowingly in his dreams. "I didn't do it, leave me alone." he panted. "No, you leave her alone too. She's innocent. Don't you dare touch her."

"Brett, wake up."

"Get off me. You're sitting on my head, I can't breath." His hips arched upward with a hiss of pain, his teeth gritted, then he collapsed and suddenly jerked again before bouncing off the mattress.

"Brett," She reached for his arm, her throat was burning.

"Brett," she called again. He was writhing in agony, thrashing so violently that he shook the bed. She walked around and put