TRIGGER WARNING: Rape, Violence, Torture mentioned. This chapter includes Clark's recounting of what he did to Michelle. You can skip the FLASHBACK if you want to avoid this.
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Trent's POV
The day Tony came home had to have been the best day of my life but also the craziest roller coaster of emotion.
FLASHBACK
"Baby, I'm going to set you down here on the couch and be back in a few minutes with some broth. The Doctors want you to try to start off with liquids until you can handle anything stronger." I said while placing her down. She quietly released my neck and sunk down into the pillows, cringing at the pain as her body settled in. Just then the sound of a knock at the door came from behind me.
Sammy walked into the room and went to place his hand on the knob. He turned back to Michelle and smiled at her gently. "Angel, I need you to take a deep breath and be calm." I saw her stiffen immediately. "I promise everything is ok but you need to trust us. Baby, do you trust us?" That was a loaded question. I wouldn't if I were in her shoes but without hesitation, she nodded and took a deep breath. He turned and pulled the door open. All I heard was a loud gasp and then a cry from the couch.
Tony ran in and threw himself at his mother's feet, careful to not jostle her. "My baby! This can't be real. Tony!" She cried out through sobs. She reached for his face with her tiny hand slowly but hesitated for a moment, probably afraid to break the spell.
He gently took her hand in his and placed it on his cheek. "It's real mom. I'm ok. I'm here mom. I l-love you so m-much. I'm so sorry you went through all... all of that and I'm s-sorry I had to leave for a while, but I'm here mom. I'm here." He said through sobs, himself.
They held each other for what felt like forever and then Grant explained everything that happened. I know she was relieved and so happy to have her son, but her soul still looked tortured like her mind was playing tricks on her and she would find it all to be a dream. While Grant was speaking, I would catch her looking over to Tony and then touching him to be sure he was still there. I know that her mind was confused as to what was reality and what was illusion based on what the doctors said but I'm so proud of her for surviving.
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I've watched her body heal day by day. She tried to tell us that she was wanting to look for another place to live with Tony, but we squashed that idea pretty damn fast. We talked her into staying until she was at least back on her feet, hoping that we could change her mind by then. She's obviously trying to protect us from whatever she's going through but we aren't going to allow her to do that. She's ours and that will not change.
Her splints have come off and most bruises and cuts have healed. She's covered in scars but to me, they are to be worn as metals of honor. She's a warrior and those are the proof of her strength. It's been a little over two months and she's still quietly remaining in her shell, distancing herself from all of us little by little. I can tell she's battling whatever is going on in her head. The only thing that seems to keep her occupied recently is reading with Sammy or spending time with Tony. She doesn't ask to cuddle like she used to but she still appears to want us in the room with her. She doesn't like silence so we've installed some noise makers in most rooms, rain mainly but anything helps. There's also nightlights everywhere. I've noticed that whenever one of us helps her in the bathroom, she doesn't look in the mirror.
I heard her mumbling to herself after she arrived saying how she wasn't worth their time or efforts and she had a look on her face that worried me, so even though she's physically able, we try not to allow her too much alone time to ensure she doesn't cause herself any harm. Sadly, I think this made her feel more guilty about what we're doing for her but I can't bring myself to care too much. I want her alive and to eventually be healthy again. If that means some hurt upfront, so be it. I'll battle one trauma at a time.
YOU ARE READING
To Breathe Again
عاطفية"I want to capture this moment and save it forever." He looked at her, watching the way her cheeks flushed a deep red as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're breathtaking. You have no idea how gorgeous you are, do you?" His voice was...
