Their Treasure [COMPLETED][UNEDITED]

Forty One - Trinette

"Oh....could you explain a little?I'm not well versed in these things...." My voice shook as I played with my hands

"Of course, DiD is essentially where a person has multiple identities living in one body. For us, we have alters in our system who all have different roles and purposes, and all of which are capable of fronting and take control." She explained, I grew more confused

"How does that work?"

"We share our body with other identities. It's important to remember that we are a system, not an individual" she explained, and I nodded. Was my question offensive? Did I offend her?!

"So who...who are you? Does your voice change with every... alter?" I questioned, hoping I used the right wording.

"Yes, each alter has its own identity, which means they are their own within us. They all have names, ages, attitudes, opinions, perceived appearance and gender etcetera. I'm Betsy, my job is to help explain what's going on." She answered and I nodded, still confused but slowly understanding a little.

"Betsy, what did you want to do?" The nurse asked, distracting us from our conversation. She went over to the nurse and went to pick out a cross stitch. I noticed the needle was plastic as she threaded it and began to sew.

"PTSD! You're traumatised! That's why you're here!" Leana exclaimed with bright eyes and a wide smile as she looked to me. Betsy looked mortified, Isla dropped her jaw in shock and looked down in embarrassment and the nurse kept a close eye as she sat at the head of the table

"It makes sense now, your little actions, your posture, your energy and feel" She looked so happy with herself and full of life

Energy and feel? What?

"Leana! We've spoken about this, you can't just yell things like that" the nurse scolded as Betsy handed me some pencils, pens and paper. I sat down getting to work on drawing the first thing that came to mind

"Sorry, I got excited. Usually it takes me a lot less time" she apologized to the nurse who just mumbled under her breath before bringing a phone over

"Music?" She asked and Betsy got all excited, the other two looked at the phone before shaking their heads, I didn't feel comfortable enough yet to suggest music, so it was up to Betsy. She hummed as she searched the phone

"I might go for a little walk?" I asked and the nurse nodded

"Just wait one moment and I'll get your nurse to go with you" she then radio-ed through, and another lady appeared shortly

"Hi Artemis, I've been assigned as your nurse during your stay, Nat says you wanted to go for a walk? My name is Rae" The Blonde woman asked as I got out of my seat to follow her

"Yea, I'm just a bit...it's a lot to take in and uhm.. adjust to." I struggled to find words as I followed her.

"I understand, it's definitely a big change. It's a huge step in your recovery to voluntarily admit yourself somewhere like this" she spoke and I nodded

"Yea, it's definitely been a rough few years...I'm hoping to be able to heal the best I can and get on with my life. I have a dog back home - dandelion - and she's just the sweetest little lady, always so much love to give." I shared, I'm going to miss her

"If you wanted, I could see if we could get her here? We do tend to have flexibility with the rules, and before our patients leave we like to make sure they're prepared to cope with independent living - which includes caring for pets alongside yourself." She offered as she turned a corner

"I'd love that, thank you" I smiled

"For now, are you content with cats?" She asked as she stopped in front of a locked door. I nodded, and she smiled before unlocking the door and letting me in

It was cat-central

All different breeds, shapes and sizes of cats milled around the large room

"This- this is the on-site sanctuary isn't it?" I asked, trying to control my smile

"Yep! All these little guys are part of the hospital" she smiled as I looked around, I noticed a cat sitting in the corner of the room staring at me with curious but large eyes

"Ah, that's Blink. She prefers to watch people rather than interact. She's still semi-feral." Rae told me as she sat on the floor and a few cats wandered over

"Your psychologist, Emma, gave us a handover of your case before she left so your care could continue with us as seamlessly as possible. I was going to introduce myself this evening, and then go through how it all works here but I was called to take you on a wander. You will have time to settle in, but it's important you know we are here to help. You are not and will never be a burden on us, so don't hesitate to call for one of us okay? Emma mentioned that's something you struggle with." She said and I nodded as a Calico came over and jumped on my shoulders, making me laugh.

"Bolula, she likes shoulders" she commented as the calico made herself into a little scarf and rubbed her face on my chin

"Uhm, those three that were at the table with me...what are they here for? Isla, Leana and kat...uhm....Besty?" I was unsure of what name to call her.

"That's something they'll share with you if they're comfortable."

"Right..." I nodded, that should've been obvious to me...

I heard cheerful whistling from the hallway as me and Nurse Rae sat in silence, causing me to look up

"Hi Mia" Rae smiled, not even looking up, we heard a childlike giggle as she got closer, which threw me off - I thought it was an adults facility?

"Mia is one of Kathryn's child alters, she's harmless." She said, clearing things up a little

"Hi Mia, wanna come in?" She asked as Ka-Mia came in through the door and shut it behind her

"Yea! Do you- hi! Betsy said there was a new friend!" She turned to me with a smile, and I smiled.

New friend!!!!

"Hi" I nodded, unsure of what to say.

Fortunately the rest of the day went smoothly, I managed to settle in, my room was in the same section as the girls I'd met earlier so that gave me a little comfort

And then it began, and I finally started learning how to cope

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Posted: 01.04.24

Happy April!