saving grace

Chapter 48: Epilogue

Year 2033

Edith - 15 years old

You were laying in bed, reading a poetry book and waiting for Cate to get home. She had a fitting for an annual charity event that was coming up, as throughout the years, and in your honor, she became an ambassador for Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation. The organization is one that works to transform society's response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, as well as to support survivors' healing. When Cate brought the idea to you about getting in contact with the CEO, you jumped her bones right then and there. You had made the decision about five years ago to let your story be heard, so there were no nerves present when it actually came to fruition. Plus, it meant Cate did more press...and wore more suits. You would never complain about more suits.

It was nearing 8 pm when Edith's head popped into your room.

"Hey, Mama," she spoke, her voice soft.

You marked the page before shutting the book and turning your attention to your second youngest.

"Hey, baby," you replied, looking her direction. You immediately recognized in her face that something wasn't just right.

"Is Mommy home yet?" She asked, coming into the room a little more and resting her back on the door frame.

"She just messaged saying she was leaving the designer's, so maybe in about 30 minutes?"

She nodded her head, visibly chewing on the inside of her cheek. The room grew quiet for a moment as tears brimmed her eyelids.

"Can I help?"

The question must have broken the seal as a sob escaped her mouth and she shook her head side to side.

"Hey," you spoke, quickly throwing the blanket off of you and opening her arms up to her.

Edi came over and, basically, laid her entire body on top of you, your legs bent upwards on the bed on either side of her. Her face moved into her neck as she hugged you tightly, cries muffled by your skin.

"Shhh," you cooed, "it's okay, baby."

You didn't want to command her to tell you what the issue was. You had learned with Edith over the years that when she felt pressured she curled inwards, so, instead, you had to offer cuddles and a listening ear until she felt safe enough to open up.

You simultaneously kissed her head and ran a hand through her hair. Her sobs were gaining strength and you knew you had to go into mommy mode, refusing to let her go into a panic attack.

"Edi, baby girl, you have to sit up for me."

She started to cry louder, clearly having no desire to be moved from the hideaway of your body.

"I know, I know," you whispered, moving you both to a more seated position.

Edith started to cough, her airway becoming more restricted. You pulled her face out of your body, one hand on the side of her neck while the other rested on her cheek.

"Look at me," you said, a little more heft in your voice.

"I...can't...breathe.." she managed, a hand scratching at the top of her chest and bottom of her throat.

"Yes, you can. Come on, baby. One breath at a time. In..."

She struggled to suck in a breath. You took her scratching hand and placed it against the middle of your chest, hoping it would help her copy your breath pattern.

"Big breath, E. You're okay."

"In...and out. In...out."

Tears cascaded down her face as her choked out sobs came fewer and further between. Her heart rate was far too rapid for your liking still but she was slowly coming down from the high.