"No! Don't- Don't touch me!" Will screamed, flinching away from Mike's touch.
Will's eyes were wild, his breathing fast and shallow, his whole-body trembling in uncontrollable fear.
" I'm not going to hurt you", Mike said, gently taking Will by the hand and holding it firmly. Their eyes met. "Listen to me. You're safe and they aren't going to hurt you again. I'm here now. Trust me, I won't let anybody hurt you."
Mike almost expected Will to yank his hand away in his panic, but he didn't; instead, he relaxed a little, tears forming in his eyes, and let out a breath.
"Ele..."" It's okay", Mike said, smiled, and pulled Will into a hug he didn't resist.
