TAMING THE VICIOUS STORM (Familiá Altamirano #3)

【ASHERAH: MISSION】

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I WAS sitting on the grey sofa in the middle of the room. A woman in her mid-40s was sitting in front of me. She has a pen on between her fingers, fidgeting it.

"So, how are you feeling today?" My therapist asked while tapping her pen on her clipboard.

"I'm doing well,"

"Do you still have nightmares?" she asked.

I leaned back on the chair I was sitting on.

"Not anymore. I'm perfectly okay now,"

She wrote something on the clipboard before looking at me again. "What else are you feeling?"

I licked my bottom lips, feeling a bit anxious.

"I-I just want to get back to work," I said.

"But you know you can't, right? You knew the policy. You are not yet clear for duty," she reminded.

"But I'm doing well. I already passed my physical test," I answered.

"Okay, rate how fine are you?"

"Ten,"

Her eyes remained on me. I sighed and rested my elbows on both of my laps. My fingers intertwined.

"Okay, do me a favor and hold this." She gave me a small ball with a small string. "Pulled the string,"

"Excuse me? Is this really necessary for the session?" I scoffed.

"Just pull it," she ordered.

I sighed and pulled the string with all my strength. I flinched when it exploded, and colorful crystal beads scattered on the floor. It made me stop breathing for a moment.

"What the hell?"

I looked up at my therapist, and she looked unbothered.

"I thought you were okay?" she said.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Walang salita ang gustong bumoses.

"Don't be afraid to express what you feel. Asherah, I am here to help you. Time can heal all wounds in your heart. Deep or not, it really will... but you have to help yourself, too," she said calmly.

My lips twitched. "I-I need to go," I said and stood up from the sofa.

I walked towards the door, but before I could exit, I heard my therapist say, "Call me if you have any anxiety or trouble sleeping." I didn't respond. "I'll wait for your call," she added, but I am already outside the room, walking down the hallway.

The scene from yesterday bothered me even from sleep. I've been seeing the shrink for a few days now.

We have our monthly, sometimes weekly, psychological assessment with the trusted clinical psychologist in our station.

What happened in the last mission was still on my mind.

Gumagaling na ang sugat sa ulo ko at iilang gasgas sa braso pero nandito pa rin ang takot... ang kaba sa nangyari.

Three people died, including one of the terrorists. The other one who we caught was in custody. Half of the members of their group were also in custody.

Finley had a leg injury and a laceration on his forehead. Nadaganan ang binti niya sa gumuhong pader na dumiretso sa kaniya. He's wearing an orthopedic cast now and walking with the help of crutches.

Hinawakan ko ang mas humaba kong buhok at tumingin sa bintana. I couldn't believe how fast my hair growing. It's only been three weeks, and now it was an inch longer.