Chapter 10: Comfort in Chaos
The events of the day still felt like a fever dream to Sienna. The dim lights of the basement, the narrow hallway with the prisoners’ terrified faces, and the menacing look on Bruno’s face—all of it clung to her mind, an unshakable fog of dread.
After hours of questioning, debriefing, and statements, Sienna and Garner finally found themselves outside the police precinct. The evening air was cool, and a gentle breeze swept past, but it did little to ease the lingering tension in her chest. She stared blankly into the street, her thoughts replaying the events in a relentless loop.
Garner, standing beside her, stole a glance in her direction and immediately noticed the distant look in her eyes.
“Sienna,” he murmured, his voice soft, “are you okay?”
Sienna blinked, snapping back to the present. She forced a small, weak smile.
“I… I think so. It’s just… I can’t believe we were right there. We saw those people. If we hadn’t gone in, they would still be trapped…”
Garner nodded, his expression serious.
“We made a difference, Sienna. We helped save them. That’s something you should be proud of.”
She inhaled deeply, trying to find some comfort in his words, but a wave of dread and helplessness washed over her instead.
“I know, but… what if we’d been caught? What if Bruno had done something to us? I… I thought we were safe, but seeing him turn like that—he looked ready to hurt us.”
Garner’s face softened as he stepped closer, gently placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, it’s over now. Bruno’s in custody, and those people are safe. You were brave, Sienna. Really brave.”
Sienna’s eyes darted to his, and for the first time, she realized just how close they were. His calm presence was like a balm against her frayed nerves. But then her vision blurred as her composure cracked, and she could feel tears pricking at the edges of her eyes.
“Garner, I… I thought I was strong enough for this, but now that it’s over, I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
Without a word, Garner wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Sienna stiffened for a moment, surprised by the unexpected embrace, but then she felt herself relax, melting into the warmth and strength of his hold. In his arms, the chaos in her mind began to settle, replaced by a sense of calm she hadn’t realized she was craving.
He held her close, his hand gently rubbing her back in a comforting rhythm.
“It’s okay to be scared,” he murmured.
“After what we went through today… anyone would be. But you were incredible, Sienna. I mean it. You kept going, even when things got terrifying.”
Sienna closed her eyes, letting herself be anchored by his voice.
“I… I didn’t want to admit it, but I was really, really scared. More than I thought I could be.”
Garner pulled back slightly, looking her in the eye.
“That’s what makes you brave, Sienna. Doing something, even when you’re terrified. You didn’t let fear stop you.”
She let out a small laugh, wiping her tears with a shaky hand.
“I guess I didn’t. I just… kept thinking about how those people needed us. And I couldn’t bear the thought of doing nothing.”
Garner’s gaze softened even further, admiration shining in his eyes. “That’s why you’re amazing. You don’t give up, no matter what.”
Sienna looked up at him, feeling her cheeks flush as their eyes met. “Thank you, Garner. For being there… and for everything.”
He smiled, his hand lingering on her shoulder.
“You don’t have to thank me, Sienna. I’d do it all over again if it meant keeping you safe.”
They stood there in silence for a few moments, caught in the warmth of each other’s gaze. The streetlights cast a soft glow over them, and the noise of the city seemed to fade away. In this little bubble of comfort, Sienna felt a strange sense of peace settle over her.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you,” she whispered, almost to herself.
Garner’s smile turned slightly mischievous as he leaned in a little closer. “You’re giving me too much credit. You’re the one with the visions, after all.”
Sienna’s lips curved into a small smile. “I may have the visions, but it’s you and Anjo who make them mean something. You’re the one who helped me see them through, who believed in me.”
He chuckled. “Believe me, I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of this. Visions, crystal balls, and now dangerous criminals—it’s definitely not what I expected when I signed up to help you at that café.”
They both laughed softly, and Sienna felt the weight of the day lifting slightly. “I guess it is pretty surreal. But I don’t know what I’d do without you, Garner. Having someone who understands, who’s right there with me… it means more than I can say.”
Garner looked down at her, his gaze intense yet tender. “I feel the same way. You’re not just… someone I want to protect, Sienna. You’re my partner in all of this.”
Sienna’s heart skipped a beat, and she found herself smiling, a genuine, bright smile that felt like a rare gem after the day they’d had.
He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “You know, Sienna… I was terrified today too. But knowing you were right there beside me? That’s what kept me going.”
She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. “I never thought I’d feel so close to anyone, especially after something like today.”
Garner’s voice softened as he took her hands in his. “We’ve been through a lot together, haven’t we? And somehow, I feel like this is just the beginning.”
Sienna nodded, her heart racing as she met his gaze. She wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, how his presence was the only thing that kept her steady through all the chaos. But as she searched for the right words, Garner leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
It was a simple gesture, yet it filled her with warmth, a comfort that washed over her like a gentle tide. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, letting herself be wrapped in his presence, in the reassurance that they would face whatever came next together.
Garner pulled back slightly, his hand lingering on her cheek. “Are you feeling a bit better now?”
Sienna nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Yeah. I… I think I just needed a reminder that I’m not alone in this.”
“You’re never alone,” Garner said firmly. “No matter what happens. We’re in this together.”
She smiled up at him, feeling a surge of gratitude and affection. “Thank you, Garner. I’m really lucky to have you.”
He grinned. “And I’m lucky to have you too, Madame Crystal Ball.”
Sienna laughed, lightly swatting his arm. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”
“Not a chance,” Garner teased, chuckling. “But it’s what makes you unique. And I wouldn’t change a thing.”
They shared a quiet laugh, the tension of the day melting away in the warmth of their shared moment. As they stood together in the peaceful night, Sienna felt a glimmer of hope spark within her. With Garner by her side, she knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.