Echoes of Resilience

30

Flashback: Meredith Five Years Old
The carousel went around and around as Meredith giggled, her laughter echoing through the air. She vividly remembers a time when she was scared of the painted horses and their unchanging expressions, but now they bring her a sense of freedom and joy. Her mother, always full of wisdom, used to tell her that the carousel never stops turning. However, as the ride slows down, Meredith can't help but wonder what other things her mother might be lying about.

Her father left without saying goodbye, and while her mother insists that they are better off without him, Meredith finds it hard to believe. After all, her dad was the only parent who took a genuine interest in her life. Her mother, on the other hand, seemed to pass her off to anyone who would take her, showing little care or concern. As the carousel comes to a stop, Meredith watches her mother from a distance. She sees her on the ground, screaming and crying. Part of her wants to rush over and check on her, but she fears being yelled at, so she waits for her mother to come collect her.

When they finally arrive home, her mother is still in shambles, pacing around the kitchen and ranting about how you can't trust or depend on anyone but yourself. Meredith sits quietly at the table, clutching her Anatomy Jane doll, trying to make herself as small and inconspicuous as possible. Out of the corner of her eye, she catches a glimpse of something sharp and shiny. Then, she sees blood as her mother drops to the kitchen floor.

"M-Mommy!" Meredith rushes over with wide eyes, grabbing a dish towel off the oven handle to press against her mother's arm. "I'll call 911!" She tries to get up and reach for the phone, but her mother pulls her back.

"It's just a little blood, Meredith. There's nothing to be afraid of. Don't call 911, this isn't an emergency," her mother says dismissively, tossing the towel aside as the blood continues to pool around her. She places a hand on Meredith's cheek, sniffling. "He doesn't love me. He loves you, but he doesn't love me. That shouldn't matter. I don't need a man, but it does matter. It matters because I'm weak. Don't be weak, Meredith. Promise me. Promise me you'll be extraordinary." Her mother's voice breaks as she pleads, gripping Meredith's chin tightly.

"I promise," Meredith mutters, her wide eyes locked on her mother's face.

Present Time
"M-Mommy! No! Don't leave me! Don't leave me!" Meredith screams in her sleep, her body thrashing wildly. In her panic, she accidentally hits Addison in the face, jolting her awake. Before anyone can react, Meredith digs her nails into her own face, leaving marks of distress. "I promise! I promise to be extraordinary," she sobs, her voice filled with anguish. Addison tries to shake her awake, while Cristina watches on, horrified by the scene unfolding before her.

"Mer, sweet girl, wake up. It's just a bad dream. You're safe," Addison coos softly, leaning in close to Meredith's ear as she scoops her up into her arms. "You're safe." Gently, Addison removes Meredith's hands from her face, soothingly stroking her thumb across the back of her hand.

"Mommy?" Meredith whimpers softly, finding comfort in the embrace of the redhead.

"No, sweet girl, it's Addie. Can you open your eyes for me?" Meredith slowly opens her eyes, her gaze meeting Addison's concerned green orbs. Overwhelmed with emotion, she throws her arms around Addison's neck.

"Addie," she sighs contentedly, tightening her hold on the comforting presence of the redhead. Addison reciprocates by rubbing soothing circles on Meredith's back.

"I'm here, honey. I'm here," Addison reassures her, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of her head. "Cristina's here too. Do you want to say hi?" Addison asks, her voice gentle and understanding. Meredith shakes her head no, whimpering as she hides her face in the crook of Addison's neck. "That's okay, you don't have to. I've got you, sweet girl. Everything will be okay."