The Shards of War: The Experiments

Chapter 6

As days passed after the kidnapping attempt, Matsu found himself grappling with intense PTSD flashbacks to the time he was imprisoned in the AIS PROJECT. The memories haunted him, causing him to isolate himself in his room most of the day. He couldn't escape the images that played over and over in his mind, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Matsu's sisters returned to Ironhaven to help Matsu, Calie and Marie deal with the trauma of being kidnapped understanding what they went through and worrying about their brother going through that twice. One evening, Yumiko knocked on Matsu's door gently, "Matsu, can I come in?" she asked with concern. Matsu hesitated for a moment before opening the door and letting his sister in. Yumiko sat beside him on the bed, her expression filled with empathy. "You've been spending a lot of time in here. How are you feeling?" Matsu sighed, "I'm struggling, Yumi. These flashbacks won't go away, and I feel so trapped in my thoughts."

Yumiko placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "I'm really sorry you're going through this, Matsu. Have you been talking to your therapist about it?" Matsu nodded, "Yeah, I have been. But it's just so hard to shake these memories. I feel like they're consuming me." "You don't have to go through this alone, Matsu," Yumiko said gently. "We're here for you, and we want to help you through this. It's okay to lean on us." Matsu felt a mix of gratitude and guilt. He knew his family was there for him, but he didn't want to burden them with his struggles. "I don't want to worry you all," he admitted, tears welling up in his eyes. Yumiko pulled him into a hug, "You're not a burden, Matsu. We care about you, and we want to support you in any way we can. It's okay to lean on us when you need to." As the days went on, Matsu took Yumiko's advice to heart and opened up more to his family about his PTSD and the flashbacks he was experiencing. They listened without judgment, offering a shoulder to lean on and words of encouragement.

Matsu also continued seeing his therapist more regularly, and over time, he started to develop coping strategies to manage his PTSD symptoms. The flashbacks didn't disappear completely, but they became more manageable as he learned to confront and process his emotions. One evening, as Matsu sat in the garden, he noticed Peony playing with the mini vervithorns and the bird chicks. Their playful interactions brought a smile to his face, reminding him of the moments of joy he could still find amidst the struggles. "Hey, Peony," he called out, beckoning her to come closer. "You know, you're the light of my life. Whenever I'm feeling down, you manage to bring a little sunshine back." Peony grinned and hugged him tightly, "Love you, Daddy." Those simple words from Peony brought warmth to Matsu's heart. Even in his darkest moments, he knew he had a family that loved him unconditionally, and that gave him hope for a brighter future.

However, there was one thing Matsu couldn't change – the persistent voices that plagued him, a constant reminder of his past. Despite his efforts, they refused to fade away, but over time, he had grown to comprehend their meanings better. Matsu sat on his bed at night, watching his daughter sleep peacefully in her crib. The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated the room, casting a gentle ambiance. As he listened to the seven voices in his head, he could hear them speaking, each with their unique messages, warning him to be cautious and vigilant.

Male Voice 1: "Keep an eye out, Matsu. Danger might be lurking."

Female Voice 1: "Be careful, for the shadows hold secrets."

Male Voice 2: "You must remain vigilant."

Female Voice 2: "Trust your instincts."

Male Voice 3: "Protect Peony, she is the key to everything."

Female Voice 3: "You are strong, Matsu, don't forget that."

Male Voice 4: "Stay alert, danger comes in many forms."

Matsu's heart raced, and he clenched his fists in frustration. He wished he could silence the voices, but they seemed intertwined with his very being. In the darkness, he whispered to himself, "I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe." Matsu took a deep breath, trying to find strength in their words. He knew that listening to their guidance could be a matter of life or death for him and his family. He felt a mix of fear and determination, vowing to do everything in his power to protect Peony and his loved ones. As he looked back at Peony, her innocent face relaxed in sleep, he nodded to the voices, acknowledging their presence. "I won't forget. I'll be strong for her," he whispered, hoping that determination would be enough to navigate the uncertain path ahead.