A.L.E.N - Between Shadows (Chapter 2)

Act 42

In the quiet confines of the therapist's office, Julie sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her eyes fixed on the floor as she wrestled with the memories that haunted her every waking moment.

The therapist's gentle voice broke the silence, drawing Julie's attention back to the present moment. "Julie, I know this is difficult, but I need you to try and tell me what happened," she urged, her tone soft and compassionate.

Taking a deep breath, Julie began to recount the events that had unfolded on that fateful night. Her voice trembled with emotion as she described the chaos and confusion that had engulfed the darkened moment, the flashing lights casting an eerie glow over the scene.

"Everyone was there... the police, the ambulance," Julie murmured, her words tinged with sorrow. "But it was too late for Alen."

Tears welled in Julie's eyes as she spoke, her voice growing thick with emotion. The therapist listened attentively, her expression a mirror of empathy as she offered Julie a reassuring nod of encouragement.

"And what about Alen?" the therapist prompted gently, her voice a beacon of support in the sea of Julie's despair.

Julie swallowed hard, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her as she spoke of the man who had captured her heart, only to be torn away from her in the blink of an eye.

"He... he didn't make it," Julie whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "They said he was gone before they even got him to the hospital."

A heavy silence settled over the room as Julie's words hung in the air, the weight of their finality pressing down on her like a crushing weight. The therapist reached out a hand in silent comfort, her touch a small gesture of solace in the face of Julie's overwhelming grief.

And as the therapist woman writes all it down as Julie continues, "The police took everyone to the police station... And your husband, Mr. Fred Ferns, helped us get some information about the two accidents that have been left behind now. And also, I know that it was a very hard and painful time. I'm aware that the people who love and support me are here, Mrs Ferns."

And the therapist, Mrs Ferns, replied with a smile, "I'm glad to hear that, Julie. Please call me Lauren. And I can see that you are brave and strong. I can see that your future will bring more than you now know."

Julie nods with a close-lipped smile, saying, "Sure and yeah, maybe I will find out more about the Walf's family..."

Mrs Ferns nodded. "You never know, Julie. It is sad to say that this will be our last season before I go back to my home," she said with a sad tone.

Julie was surprised. "Oh, really? Where is it, Mrs Lauren?"

Mrs. Ferns smiled warmly at Julie as she responded, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "We'll be in North Carolina, dear. Just spending some quality time with my husband and visiting our oldest son Mason and his girlfriend. On the other hand, our youngest son, Mike, might come eventually, but it's a bit complicated... But regardless, we're looking forward to visiting Mason and his girlfriend."

Julie looked at Mrs. Ferns, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes, but she forced a smile nonetheless. "That sounds wonderful, Mrs. Ferns, I mean Lauren. I'm sure it will be a great trip going back home. I hope you have a fantastic time and enjoy your vacation."

Mrs. Ferns returned Julie's smile, touched by her well wishes. "Thank you, Julie. We'll definitely make the most of it."

Julie stood up, and Miss Ferns couldn't help but notice the worn coat draped over her shoulders. With a gentle expression, she broached the subject. "Julie? Would you mind taking your coat in for repairs? It's not old, just heavily used, and it appears to be extremely faded in color."

Julie glanced at the coat, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. "It was my father's coat, Mrs. Lauren. I like it just the way it is," she explained before slipping it on, the fabric worn but cherished. 

Miss Ferns nodded understandingly, touched by Julie's sentimentality. "Of course, dear. It's lovely that you have such fond memories attached to it."

Mrs Ferns nods, smiling slightly behind her lips as she takes what she said. "It has sentimental value, and I can see that." Julie concurs by nodding.

Then, just before Julie left, she stated, "Alright, by side that... Mrs Lauren, I feel like we are not done with this adventure yet. My future holds more for me than what you currently know, as you mentioned."