"You need to heal too." Difyr said. "Not getting enough rest can damage your health."

"I can't sleep," Brie whispered. "Every time I close my eyes..." a tear streaked down her cheek. Every time she closed her eyes, she either relived the repeated attacks or hearing that two of her toddlers and the one in the way, and her little Sarah, were gone.

"I know." Difyr sighed deeply. "You won't start getting better until you face it... Does Shawn know everything?"

Brie shook her head. "Must like Pinja, he's shouldering most of the blame. Early on, I wanted to tell him, but he went after Sileas. Then I discovered keeping busy kept my mind occupied and it helped, and I didn't want to talk about it. And I don't want to make him feel even more guilt, even though it's not his fault that he was off trying to do his job and couldn't be at the house."

"Keeping it secret only causes you more harm... He should know." Difyr said.

"I know it does, I saw how difficult it was for Sileas for that year and up until Larrigan arrived." Brie looked at the floor and wrung her hands. "I don't know that I can tell him. I don't know that I'm strong enough."

"He must suspect much of it already." Difyr said.

"I'm sure he does. He must. He knows what Sileas went through, and he knows what these men put Pinja through." Brie sighed. "There's no way that he can't know, and that's why he blames himself for not keeping us safe."

"Talk to him." Difyr said. "It will be good for both of you."

Brie nodded. "I will, I promise." She wiped the tears out of her eyes.

Difyr handed Brighid a handkerchief. "Things will get better."

Brie blotted at the tears. "I know the physical part will get better, but...how do I get over losing three children?"

"I don't think you can." Difyr said gently. "Take comfort in the children you still have."

"I suppose that's all we can do. I would try to get Shawn to take a trip, go see his parents, so we could rest and recuperate, but I feel I need to stay and watch over Sileas."

"Whatever is best for you will be best for your family." Difyr said.

Brie shrugged lightly. "I have to make certain she doesn't overdo. Or go off and get into a fight."

"Sileas is expecting a baby." Difyr said. "She's going to be careful with herself ot protect it."

"I know. Or at least, I hope so. I also know she sometimes goes charging in when someone she cares about is in danger."

"She won't be charging alone." Difyr said.

"No, she won't. She'll be taking my grandchild right along with her." Brie rubbed her temple.

"Hopefully knowing that will make her more careful." Difyr said.

"That is all I can ask...that she think before she reacts."

"So are you really worried about Sileas putting her unborn baby in danger, Or are you just putting off talking to your husband?" Difyr asked.

Brie sighed. "If I were truly honest, both. I just worry she won't know what precautions to take aside from knowing how rash she can act."

"Not much can be done to make Sileas be more careful." Difyr said. "But your husband is not far away."