Havenfell

Chapter 14: The Child of Pain

As Felicity lay unconscious, their mind drifted into a realm between dreams and reality. The world around them faded away, replaced by a vast, empty space filled with a soft, ethereal light. In the distance, a figure emerged, walking towards them with a familiar gait.

As the figure drew closer, Felicity's heart skipped a beat. Standing before them was a younger version of themselves, no more than twelve years old. The child's eyes held a mix of innocence and profound sadness, a reflection of the pain that had yet to fully manifest.

"Why are you here?" Felicity asked, their voice echoing in the endless expanse.

The younger Felicity looked up at them, a knowing smile on their face. "I'm here because you need to confront the truth, to face the things you've been running from."

Felicity felt a lump form in their throat, the weight of unspoken emotions threatening to overwhelm them. They had always been skilled at concealing their pain, at presenting a facade of strength to the world. But here, in the depths of their own mind, there was nowhere to hide.

"Juno," the younger Felicity said softly, their voice filled with longing. "You have feelings for her, don't you?"

Felicity nodded, tears welling up in their eyes. "I do. But I'm scared. Scared of what it means, scared of losing her as a friend if she doesn't feel the same way."

The child reached out and took Felicity's hand, their touch warm and comforting. "You can't keep running from your emotions, from the things that make you vulnerable. That near kiss with Juno... it meant something, and you know it."

Felicity's heart ached at the memory, the ghost of Juno's breath on their lips, the electricity that had coursed through their veins in that moment. They had wanted to close the distance, to give in to the longing that consumed them. But fear had held them back, the fear of rejection, of losing the one person who made them feel alive.

"And then there's the pain," the younger Felicity continued, their voice growing sombre. "The ever gnawing pain... You've been carrying these burdens alone for far too long."

Felicity's gaze fell to their wrists, where the scars of their struggles lay hidden beneath long sleeves. They had never found the words to express the depth of their pain, the emptiness that gnawed at their soul. The cutting had become a twisted form of solace, a way to feel something, anything, amid the numbness.

"You need to tell someone," the child urged, their eyes filled with wisdom beyond their years. "You need to let others in, to allow them to help you carry this weight."

Felicity's thoughts drifted to their father, the distance that had grown between them since their mother's untimely death. They longed for the closeness they had once shared, for the comfort of his embrace and the reassurance of his love.

"Dad," Felicity whispered, their voice cracking with emotion. "I miss him. I miss the way things used to be, before Mum..."

The younger Felicity squeezed their hand, a silent understanding passing between them. The loss of their mother had left a gaping hole in their lives, a void that could never be filled. But in their grief, they had forgotten that they still had each other, that their father was still there, waiting for them to reach out.

"It's time to heal," the child said, their voice filled with hope and determination. "It's time to let others see the real you, to accept the love and support they offer. You don't have to face this alone anymore."

As the younger Felicity began to fade away, Felicity felt a sense of peace wash over them. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, that confronting their deepest fears and emotions would be a journey fraught with challenges. But for the first time in a long while, they felt a glimmer of hope, a belief that they could emerge from the darkness and find the strength to embrace the light.

With a deep breath, Felicity opened their eyes, the dream world dissolving around them. They were back in the room, the soft light filtering through the curtains, and the presence of Bree beside them. It was time to take the first step, to open up and let others in. It was time to begin the journey towards healing, towards a life filled with love, connection, and the courage to face their truths.