Closer - A Connections Sequel [Ongoing]

Forty five

Valerie P.O.V

In the past couple of days of this week, Carter and I began to settle into our new place quite smoothly. We weren't necessarily in any sort of routine, but each day there would be activities we did together at a certain time without fail. We woke up each morning and leisurely crawled out of bed. We then hopped down to the living room where we'd pull out our yoga mats and followed a quick 20 minute instructional video on YouTube. We made breakfast and ate together, using this time to really talk to each other before going our separate ways for a little while. Carter would answer a few emails and calls about work, and so would I. Nothing too strenuous, but a little to keep us sane and not completely bored. This week was all about taking care of ourselves and taking it easy.

I also used some of that time to browse online for new furniture and decor, and things I could do to customise our house a bit more. It helped a lot to keep my mind distracted and to not dwell on all the past events during quiet moments. Sometimes Carter would join me and we picked out bits and pieces together. In the afternoons, we either practised our self defence moves at home or went back to see Reynolds. Followed was a home cooked dinner (or takeout) and a movie or board game.

It was the complete opposite to the typical glamorous and exciting lifestyle one would think we might have, but I nevertheless enjoyed the mundaneness just as much. We were definitely being major homebodies, despite one or two trips to the grocery store or gym (and therapy for me)... but I think it really gave us the time we needed to breathe a little bit in our own space. Destress. Unwind. Slow down. All in the comfort and safety of our home. We didn't even see any of our friends or have any visitors. Carter and I both agreed that we just needed to both be alone to really absorb the past events fully and to become comfortable with our surroundings again.

Ever since the incident nearly three weeks ago, everything has been so chaotic with our loved ones being so worried, the media buzz, the police investigation, and moving to the new place. It's been a whirlwind of new faces everywhere. I've felt like time has flown by, yet is standing still all at once. Though, I think finally I'm ready to face the public again. I was by no means any good at writing inspirational speeches, or am any sort of figure, model or ambassador, but there are so many social justice and worldly issues that are close to my heart. Mental health is one of them. As I curled up on the couch, I pulled out my laptop and began to type away a personal open letter- what better way to help others and to help myself let go and spread awareness by sharing my experience.

...
Hello all 🖤

As you may have heard already, I was abducted by force from my home for over 24 hours. Thankfully due to the efforts of the LAPD, a PI and my friends and family, I was found and the perpetrator was apprehended. I am safe with loved ones and taking much needed time for myself to rehabilitate from the ordeal. I firstly want to thank you all so much for all your kind words of support and all the love. It has been very uplifting and wonderful to read, and I appreciate it with my whole heart. Physically my bruises and scrapes are healed, but mentally I carry weight still. And that's okay. I haven't felt like myself at all. I'm working on it, and something I've learnt throughout the years is that it's nothing to be ashamed of and it's not a process to be rushed. I have been unwell mentally in the past, anxiety being one cause, and I went to therapy for it. I had been well, so have stopped for a while... but sometimes life throws curveballs at you and you find that you're not again. Maybe even sometimes you can't figure out why you suddenly feel a certain way. That's okay too. It doesn't mean you've lost any progress, it just means you need a little extra help at the moment. I'm currently speaking with someone. If ever you need help whether big or small in any situation, or if ever you need to talk, please always reach out. Lean on your loved ones, seek professional assistance if you need to. Please take care of yourself and know that you have support, and know that you are loved. You are so important, and your mental wellbeing is too. There's always someone there for you. Someone in the world big or small will notice if you were ever gone. Maybe it's the check out chick wondering why a regular hasn't come through lately, or the barista at the cafe, maybe it's a neighbor you pass by on a walk... someone. I'm looking forward to the future, keeping my spirits high yet always remembering it's okay if I fall sometimes too. I'm on the path of healing.