[COMPLETE] If i could turn back time

2019

The following days were some of the hardest Ava and Lily had ever faced. Mia's words, filled with despair and hopelessness, echoed in their minds. They watched as their vibrant, lively friend retreated further into herself, her spirit seeming to fade with each passing day.

But they refused to give up. They continued to stay by her side, their presence a constant reminder of their unwavering support. They filled the silence with their voices, talking about everything and anything, from their shared past to their hopes for the future.

They also brought in a therapist, hoping that professional help might reach Mia in a way they couldn't. The therapist was a kind woman with a soothing voice, her words gentle and encouraging. "Mia, it's okay to feel lost," she said during one of their sessions. "It's okay to grieve. But remember, you're not alone. You have people who love you and want to help you."

Mia remained silent, her face impassive. But Ava and Lily noticed a small change in her. She was more present during the sessions, her vacant stare replaced by a thoughtful gaze.

The therapist, Dr. Harper, became a regular presence in Mia's life. Her soothing voice and gentle demeanor seemed to reach Mia in a way Ava and Lily couldn't. Slowly, Mia began to open up, her sessions with Dr. Harper becoming a safe space for her to express her fears and frustrations.

As Ava and Lily sat outside Mia's room, they found themselves unintentionally eavesdropping on her conversation with Dr. Harper. They could hear the soft murmur of their voices, the occasional pause indicating a moment of contemplation or understanding.

"I feel guilty," Mia confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ava and Lily... they're doing so much for me. It's like their lives have been put on hold because of me. I feel like I'm a burden."

There was a pause, then Dr. Harper responded. "Mia, I understand your feelings of guilt. It's normal to feel that way when you're in a situation like this. But it's important to remember that Ava and Lily are here for you because they care about you, not out of obligation."

Mia was silent for a moment, then she said, "But I can't help but feel like I'm holding them back. They have their own lives, their own dreams. And now, they're stuck here with me."

Dr. Harper's response was immediate and firm. "Mia, it's okay to accept help from the people who love you. It doesn't make you a burden. They're here for you because they want to be, not because they have to be."

Ava and Lily exchanged a glance, their hearts aching at Mia's words. They realized then that their journey with Mia was not just about helping her navigate her new reality, but also about reassuring her that she was not a burden, that she was loved and valued.

One evening, as the sun was setting and casting long shadows across the hospital room, Ava decided to address the elephant in the room. "Mia," she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions within her. "We overheard your conversation with Dr. Harper. And we need to talk about it."

Mia was silent for a moment, her face a mask of unreadability. "I didn't mean for you to hear that," she finally said, her voice barely audible. There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice, a rare crack in her stoic demeanor.

"But we're glad we did," Lily chimed in, her voice gentle yet firm. "Because it gave us a chance to understand what you're feeling. And we need you to understand what we're feeling, too."

The room was silent for a moment, the tension palpable. Then Ava took a deep breath and continued. "Mia, you're not a burden. You've never been a burden. We're here because we want to be here, because we care about you."

Lily nodded, her hand reaching out to squeeze Mia's. "We love you, Mia. And we're going to be here for you, every step of the way. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how long it takes."

Mia was silent, her eyes downcast. But Ava and Lily could see the tears welling up in her eyes, a silent acknowledgement of their words.

The following days were filled with a palpable tension. Mia's admission of guilt and the subsequent conversation had opened up a new avenue of understanding between the three friends. Ava and Lily were more determined than ever to support Mia, to reassure her that she was loved and valued, not a burden.

They continued their daily routines, but there was a new level of understanding between them. They spoke less, their actions speaking louder than words. They helped Mia navigate her new world, their gentle guidance a constant presence in her life.

One day, Mia broke the silence. "I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm scared of this new world, of the darkness. I'm scared that I'll never be able to live a normal life again."

Ava and Lily exchanged a glance, their hearts aching at Mia's words. "We know you're scared, Mia," Ava said, her voice filled with empathy. "We're scared too. But we also know that you're strong. You're one of the strongest people we know. And we believe in you."

Lily nodded, her hand reaching out to squeeze Mia's. "We'll be here for you, Mia. Every step of the way. We're in this together."

Mia's admission of fear was a turning point in their shared journey. It was a raw, honest confession that laid bare her vulnerabilities. But it also opened up a space for Ava and Lily to offer their support and reassurances.

They spent the following days helping Mia navigate her new reality. They guided her around the hospital room, helped her identify objects by touch, and described the world outside in vivid detail. They wanted to show her that even in darkness, life could still be rich and meaningful.

One day, Dr. Harper brought in a white cane. "This will help you move around independently," she explained, her voice gentle. "It will take some time to get used to, but it's a step towards regaining some of your independence."

Mia was silent, her hand hovering over the cane. Then, slowly, she reached out and took it. It was a small step, but a significant one. It was a sign that she was willing to face her new reality, to learn to navigate it.

Ava and Lily were there, their presence a constant source of support and encouragement. They cheered her on, their voices filled with pride and admiration. "You're doing great, Mia," Lily said, her voice choked with emotion. "We're so proud of you."

The following days were filled with a mix of hope and anxiety as Mia began to learn how to use the white cane. It was a challenging task, filled with stumbles and frustrations, but Mia tackled it with a determination that Ava and Lily hadn't seen in weeks.

Dr. Harper was a constant presence during these sessions, her guidance and patience a source of comfort for Mia. "Remember, the cane is an extension of your hand," she would say, her voice calm and steady. "It's there to help you detect obstacles in your path."

Ava and Lily watched from the sidelines, their hearts swelling with pride as they saw Mia gradually gain confidence. They were there to cheer her on, to offer words of encouragement, and to pick her up when she stumbled.

"You're doing great, Mia," Ava would say, her voice filled with admiration. "You're stronger than you think."

And for the first time in weeks, they saw a spark in Mia's eyes, a glimmer of the spirit they knew and loved. It was a small change, but it was a start.