The Harper Brothers (Wattpad Version)

PTSD

Raphael

I had to stay home from school until I had my follow-up doctor's visit. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw and felt the floor. It got worse when something got thrown, causing me to freeze.

"Rafe," Dad said.

I put up my hands. "I'm fine."

"You're not fine."

I wouldn't look at my dad as I rested my hands on my waist.

"Your mom and I want you to talk to someone."

"I can't." I shook my head.

"Raphael, you're not fine. I know what it's like after suffering a traumatic experience. Fear engulfs you and paralyzes you," Ma said.

"I'm a Harper. We don't let people hurt us."

"Even a Harper needs help," Dad said.

"Fine."

Dad nodded and called someone. People don't understand what happens to you after you suffer a traumatic event. Your mind replays the incident constantly. You relive the experience, hoping it goes away, but it instills an innate fear.

*******
I sat in Dad's office with Jayden and scratched my arms.

"Relax, Rafe. I won't hurt you."

I nodded.

"How about we talk about you?"

I glanced at Jayden.

"Tell me things that you enjoy doing."

"I like to read and write."

"Okay, that's a start. What else?"

"I like to give Romeo a hard time."

"Why?"

"Because Romeo does stupid shit and doesn't take me seriously."

"What about your other brothers? How do you feel about them?"

I shifted my eyes. "I worry about Pat because he has a tender heart. Marty is my best friend. And I can go to Val when I need help."

"What about your parents?"

My face snapped to Jayden. "My parents are awesome."

Jayden tilted his head.

"My ma is everything to me, and I couldn't imagine my life without her. My dad protects me." I got up from my chair and strode around the room. "Do you know my folks never criticize me? They encourage me to pursue my dreams. They stayed with me in the hospital." I stopped, and my body shook as tears spilled.

"It's okay to cry, Rafe. No one will think less of you."

I wiped my eyes. "People view you as weak if you cry."

"Crying is normal for someone sad, upset, or happy. It's how we show our emotions."

I turned to face Jayden.

"Let's discuss your attack."

I sat down and told Jayden about my attack. Everything spilled from me. All the emotions, fears, and frustration appeared as I spoke. Jayden jotted down notes as I talked.

"You have PTSD, which occurs after a traumatic experience. It doesn't always happen right after the incident. Sometimes, a person experiences it days, weeks, or months after the event. It can create anxiety and depression in the individual without help."

"I'm not crazy."

"No, you had a stressful experience. The anger, frustration, reliving the moment, the ghost feeling of the impact is part of it. People misconstrue PTSD with only occurring in an assault, but it can happen with any experience like a car accident."