[ Well, with him so close, it makes all the more easy to rest a hand on his head, gently stroking her fingers through his hair. Whatever helps him relax, really. ]

Our strongest memories never really fade completely. They're the ones that tend to resurface, over and over again, in different forms... likely because the painful memories are the ones we try to consciously suppress. When you're asleep, that consciousness is gone.

It's why it's recommended that you talk with someone you trust about your nightmares.