A Soft Touch Far Away - (Stefanielle fanfic)

PROGRESS

Danielle's POV :

I received Pauline's report a week ago and we've been trying the methods she suggested to help Charlotte go back to a normal life.

The first thing was trying to make her understand we weren't pressuring her on anything she didn't want to do, but we still had to be firm on basics like eating, drinking and taking showers.

We found baths were easier because she herself was able to go into the water when she was ready and she could check the temperature before lowering herself into the bath.

For her eating, we managed small things but it wasn't the best.

She was staying hydrated thanks to having the choice between different drinks, tea, smoothies, juices, or concentrated fruit syrup.

We allowed her to sleep in our bed at night and she was often taking naps during the day to make sure she had enough hours of sleep even in case of nightmares.

I was so proud of all the progress she made in so little time, but what scared me was the fact she would have to go back to work soon, and that was now the hardest thing to do, going out.

Charlotte refused to leave the house, scared her parents would send someone to take her away. So we kept reassuring her that we were here to keep her safe.

Today, the plan was to go to the park to walk the dogs, and it could seem like a very simple task, but for Lottie it was a huge step.

I knocked on Charlotte's door.

"Baby girl, can I come in ?" I asked, not wanting to intrude on 'her privacy as Pauline advised us to do. She needed to be in charge of what we could see or do.

"Yeah," She said quietly from the other side of the door.

"Hey," I entered her room and sat next to her on her bed.

"What were you doing sweet girl ?" I asked.

"Nothing," She said as if it was normal to just sit on the bed and stare at the wall.

"Stefania made a little breakfast, but you can have cereals or just toasts, and there is still fruit salad from yesterday," I said looking at her.

"Mmmmh,"

She looked off this morning, I thought to myself.

"Can we do our little morning's mission now ? So it's behind us and we can enjoy the day," I said, taking her hand.

"I don't want toooo," Charlotte whined, falling back on her bed.

"Come on, the sooner we do it the quicker it's done,"

"And we already missed it yesterday," I added.

She crossed her arms and pouted.

"Dani's cuddles and then we do it," I compromised and she nodded.

I took her in my arms and rocked her a little.

"You know how proud of you I am ?"

"Dani is so so proud of you," I soothed.

"You're a little miracle, you amaze me every day," I praised her, kissing her forehead and I watched as a light blush appeared on her face.

"Now up you get," I said after a few minutes, helping her on her feet.

I tried to take her hand but she stayed still.

"I don't want to Danielle," She pouted slightly.

"Not today,"