LABYRINTH | Scarlett Johansson x Daughter

45 | pickles and peanut butter.

Scarlett

"I've just pulled up now, Mom, but I'll call you back afterwards and let you know how she's doing."

Stepping out of the car with my phone pressed against my ear, I use my free hand to reach over the centre console to grab my jacket and purse.

"Alright, honey. I love you."

"I love you too. Bye."

"Bye-bye."

Hanging up the phone, I tuck it into the back pocket of my jeans before sliding my arms through the sleeves of the black puffer as I cross the quiet street, thankful for the break in the rain.

A week ago, I checked my daughter into rehab, and today is the first time seeing her since.
Visitors aren't usually permitted in the first few days to allow the patient to adjust to such a big change, but from what I've been told from both Sam and Ryan, Kenzie was having an extraordinarily difficult time so the staff decided it would be best for her to have a few extra days to settle in before anybody and to visit.

Not only has she tried to make a break for it on more than one occasion, but she also refused to talk to anybody in the first three days. Not just in meetings or therapy sessions, but socially too. She wouldn't even begin to acknowledge any of the staff and other residents.

When I reached the reception area, my bag was checked whilst I signed in before one of the many supervisors of the centre showed me up to the living facilities.

Being in the middle of a city, the building has several different floors but only three of which are a part of the rehabilitation centre. One holds the reception area, the one-on-one therapy offices a spa room and a meditation/yoga studio. Another holds the dining and kitchen, a living room and a few different meeting rooms. Whereas the last floor is where the bedrooms and bathrooms are located.

Considering I'm having lunch with Kenzie, I was taken through to the dining area and sitting at a table with one other girl, I spot her completely dazed out, feet up on the chair and her knees against her chest, eating pickles and...peanut butter?

"Kenzie, your Mom is here," the supervisor says, tapping her on the shoulder.

Snapping out of her state, she lifts her head to meet my gaze. A sad smile rests on her lips and she stands from the chair and instantly embraces me in a hug, resting her forehead against my shoulder.

"Hi, sweetheart," I speak in a quiet voice, rocking her gently side to side, as I feel a few tears drop onto the exposed fabric of my shirt.

"Hi," she responds, her voice almost inaudible.

"How are you holding up?"

Pulling away from the hug, she lifts her shoulder to her ears and tucks her hands into the pockets of her hoodie.

"Uh, this is my roommate, Ellie," she proceeds to turn her head back to the table and introduce me to the brunette, "Ellie this is Scarlett."

We both send each other a small 'hello' before heading over to the buffet. I'm pleasantly surprised at the quality and selection of food but decide to go for the roasted vegetable and quinoa salad, whilst Kenzie opts for lasagna and garden salad.