Just Rose

42

Rose stood overlooking the fields and the forest below the window, the back of the cottage shining in the early light. She no longer cringed at the sight of the tiny building nestled among the trees and foliage. The feelings of anxiety and panic had subsided finally and of late the nightmares had faded away into peaceful slumber again most nights. That night had affected her more than she could ever have guessed and the weeks following in a torrent of anxiety and emotion, afraid to leave Rob's side, afraid to be alone. She had been jumpy and paranoid, an emotional wreck who could barely sleep and convinced attackers were always lurking in the shadows waiting for her.

The counsellor had assured her that it was normal, she had been through something traumatic and it had affected her on many levels. Rob had squeezed her hand through every session, unable to even be alone to talk to a therapist and needing him more than ever to make her feel safe.

Rob was strong and patient, ever understanding of what she was going through. Holding her close whenever he saw her waver, always gentle with her, despite her moods and erratic tears. Taking as much time away from work as he could to calm her frayed nerves, reassure her and help her slowly settle back into a life and routine. He had been on edge too, for weeks, unable to rest easy without her by his side and always checking in on her almost obsessively. He had taken her on every business trip that he could, she had finally had her weekend in the French villa and it had done them a power of good. He would brush away shadows in the corners for her, leaving lights on at night even when he was laid by her side, always there, close enough to protect her, should she falter.

She had not stepped foot in that cottage again for months, letting him take control of its maintenance and clean up. The first time she had tried, an overwhelming wave of nausea had overtaken her; a severe panic attack. She had felt as though she was being strangled, her heart crashing and clawing to get out. Her vision had begun to blacken, and he had picked her up, taken her outside into the air, helped her bend down to catch her breath and push the panic back down again.

She had been stubborn, despite that episode, steeled in her decision that she wouldn't let Morag do this to her. Persistent and walking down there with Muffin and Rob a few times and always the same feelings arose within her. She had finally been able to open that door and walk in without falling apart when her emotional scars had begun to heal. Able to look around and feel a tinge of that affection for the place returning, slowly. Spending longer moments at every visit and frequently wandering down there with Rob, knowing how important it was that she overcame her fear of being there.

Rob had gone straight back into overdrive, securing the manor for her, making all the changes he had planned and then some, just so she could sleep easier at night within the manor walls. Not that it had been necessary anymore; Morag was gone. But he needed to feel like he was doing more to protect her; it was as much for his healing as hers. She had been thankful of the fortress he built around them, it had in a way, eased her into recovery quicker. The security of living within safe walls and fences, camera's and intercoms that made access to her near impossible, unless they were invited.

Morag was far away now; she had been committed to a long term psychiatric ward after the court case, pending assessments and treatments and deferring jail time. The judge, seeing a woman with deep emotional issues and a traumatic history thanks to her solicitor who had painted a heart-breaking picture, took pity on her.