The Missing Piece // Scarlett Johansson x Daughter

Between Therapy, Games, and Judgment

June's head was so confused that it began to ache regularly. The news had impacted her so much that she kept replaying the news anchor's voice in her mind while clinging to Scarlett. It wasn't being called June that bothered her; it was the feeling of having lost her identity. For as long as she could remember, she had been called Althea, and now, when they called her Althea, it felt uncomfortable because it didn't feel like hers.

Scarlett remained patient throughout June's emotional rollercoaster. At times, the girl would revert to the cheerful young child playing with her older sister Rose and her younger brother Cosmo. At other times, she withdrew into silence with fear, and her gaze would become lost. Scarlett longed to delve into her daughter's mind and uncover all her mysteries.

Of course, she couldn't compare her children, as none of them were comparable. They all had their own personalities and a place in her heart. But Scarlett could confidently say that she knew her children, including her daughter June, until she was taken from her. However, the little one who had returned to her side was so different that she was eager to get to know her.

I wanted to understand why she acted the way she did at times, despite the challenges that might be involved in uncovering all the mysteries.

The psychologist had been in June's room for ten minutes. Scarlett waited anxiously outside to be allowed in, and when they finally did, she found June sitting and drawing animatedly. Upon seeing Scarlett, the girl smiled.

"She's inspired today," the psychologist whispered to Scarlett. The woman was seated on the floor beside the girl, observing the drawings closely. Scarlett soon joined them, furrowing her brow as she looked at some of the drawings.

"We're doing an exercise where I give her a word, and she has to draw what it makes her feel or remember," the expert explained. "We've concluded that she prefers to be called June."

Scarlett's smile said it all. That had been the name she chose for her daughter as soon as she found out she was pregnant and that a girl was on the way.

"Although she sometimes forgets, and her reaction is a bit delayed, right, June?"

The girl lifted her head and nodded. "Look," she held up her drawing, showing a 3D black square with her in the center.

Scarlett didn't understand the drawing. "Is that you, sweetheart?"

June nodded. "Yes, sometimes I feel trapped in there, unable to hear or see. It's scary," she confessed in a childlike voice. "I don't like it, but other times I feel good because in the end, no one shows up," she shrugged, visibly confused.

"June," Scarlett said tenderly, "I love you, princess," she kissed her on the head and received a smile from her daughter.

"June, how about you go show Colin your wonderful drawings?" the psychologist suggested.

The girl jumped up, gathering a stack of drawings, some better than others. She hugged Scarlett shyly and ran off.

"I asked her to come out because I think it would be a good idea to start delving deeper today. I see her being cooperative and in a good mood," the psychologist suggested. Scarlett nodded, even though she was afraid her daughter might shut herself back in that box and block herself out. She was afraid of seeing her in that state, but at the same time, she longed to address the problem at its root, as ever since these episodes began, there hadn't been a single day when she didn't wet the bed, leading her to use the diapers Colin had brought, at least for sleeping.

As soon as June returned, she sat down. "In the end, I gave one to Colin," she smiled and left the rest of the drawings on the table.

"And what about me?" demanded Scarlett, laughing. June puffed her cheeks, looking like a mischievous squirrel. "I'll give you one too," she assured.