Freddy's Back

Chapter 3: In group therapy

Nancy surveyed the teens seated before her, hoping today's group session would finally yield a breakthrough. While the dark circles under their eyes betrayed their exhaustion, Nancy sensed a new resolve in their postures. She offered an encouraging smile, waiting patiently for them to gather the courage to speak.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Maya met Nancy's gaze. "You were right," she began hesitantly. "Keeping it all inside was just giving...him...more power over us."

Nancy nodded, keeping her body language open. "I'm proud of you all for being here. There's no shame in any of your experiences."

Maya flushed at the praise but continued. "For weeks now, there's been this burned man chasing me in my nightmares. He...he traps me places and slashes me with his glove." Her voice shook with restrained emotion.

"Thank you for sharing that, Maya," Nancy said gently. "Simply acknowledging him robs him of some of his control over you."

Maya exhaled slowly, while the other teens fidgeted. Nancy turned her focus to Liam next. "What has this entity done to torment your dreams?" she asked.

Liam bit his nails anxiously. "Same thing. There's no escaping him - it's like he knows all my worst fears and uses them against me." His eyes glistened with tears.

Nancy's heart broke hearing the pain in his voice. "You have every right to feel violated and angry. But we can unravel his power, together."

Liam managed a small grateful nod. Nancy was quietly ecstatic to see their breakthroughs in opening up. She pivoted to Ollie next. "What about you, Ollie? I know your dreams are closely tied to past trauma."

Ollie hesitated, then spoke just above a whisper. "My dad and...that burned freak...they sort of morph together now when the attacks happen." He suppressed a shudder.

"That sounds deeply frightening," Nancy said sympathetically. "But you have the strength now to stand up to them both."

Ollie gave a timid smile. Nancy was honored he trusted her enough to be so vulnerable. Finally, she turned to Zoe who was slumped sullenly in her chair. "What has he done to you?" she asked gently.

Zoe scowled. "Same crap, different night. Are we done sharing and caring?"

Nancy nodded understandingly. "Of course. But in your own time, I'm here." Zoe's expression softened just a fraction.

Nancy let them steer the rest of the discussion, heart swelling with pride at their huge leaps of courage and faith today. Their tormentor suddenly had a name and a face. And Nancy was determined to rip away his power for good.

In their next sessions, the teens reluctantly revealed more about their dream stalker, whom Nancy confirmed was Freddy Krueger. Liam described his tattered red and green sweater, Maya his charred flesh and rancid breath. The origins of his claw glove became clear.

"I'm so proud of you all," Nancy told them fiercely after an especially grueling recall session left them emotionally drained. "He's losing his grip because you've stopped suffering in silence. We're going to destroy him together."

The teens offered tentative but trusting smiles. Nancy knew the road ahead was perilous, but today their solidarity and openness felt like a hard-won victory against the forces of darkness plaguing their dreams.

Late at night, she glimpsed light under Zoe's door. Knocking gently, Nancy found her curled up on her bed, knees to chest.

"Rough one tonight?" Nancy asked, sitting beside her. Zoe hesitated, then whispered, "Sometimes your voice cuts through when he's...hurting me. It helps."