Tears of . . .

     Poppie sat quietly on the floor next to the bed and softly sang the healing lullaby.  Lan-Oea continued to weep as she wanted to leave her safe place, but was fearful.  She did not want to move closer she knew Poppie knew where she was, so she stayed.  “Lan-Oea, I am here when you are ready,” said Poppie.  “I will not rush you.”
     Lan-Oea slowly inched forward to listen to Poppie.  “Help me, Poppie, I am afraid to do this on my own,” she cried.  Poppie helped her and then held her close as she continued to cry.  “I do not know how to feel safe.  Will you help me?”
     Poppie leaned in to wipe her tears as he asked the inevitable question, “Are these tears of love?”
     As Lan-Oea cried deeper still, she shook her head and said, “Trust.  I trust you, Poppie.  I just want to be able to trust myself and others.”  She stayed with Poppie as he stroked her face and hair.  She willed herself to stopped crying, but it did not work as her tears turned to sobs.  “Poppie, when will the tears stop?  I so do not feel safe, even here with you.”  Poppie rocked her as she fell back to sleep.  He held her gently until she awoke again . . .