9-1-1 ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏᴛs

Self Harm - Athena Grant

ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ

River Grant -17

River Grant walked through the front door of her home, her long-sleeved hoodie clinging to her despite the sweltering summer heat outside. She tugged the sleeves down further, hiding the fresh cuts on her arms. She didn't want her family to worry. She didn't want them to be disappointed in her, she knew of her sisters May experience and she didn't want to put Athena back through that. Athena, her mother, was in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

"Hey, sweetheart," Athena called out, glancing up with a smile. "How was school?"

"It was fine," River replied, forcing a smile as she headed for the stairs. "Just tired." River didn't like to be around people when she felt down, ever since her friend Eva died she had been so different and everyone noticed it. She was usually a people person, always putting a smile on the people around her, trying to help by doing anything she can. Now she was just so distant, withdrawn. She didn't talk to people unless she had to, she was mad at the world, mad that Eva had to be taking away from her.

Athena watched her daughter disappear up the stairs, worry etched across her face. She had noticed River's growing withdrawal and the dark circles under her eyes. Athena was determined not to miss any signs this time, especially after what happened with May. She had offered help to River so many times, trying to help her.

Upstairs, River closed her bedroom door and sank onto her bed. The weight of grief and guilt from losing her best friend felt unbearable.

River lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her hoodie sleeves pulled down tightly over her arms despite the heat. The room was dimly lit, and the air felt heavy with her unspoken grief. The sound of her door opening made her sit up slightly.

"River, honey?" Athena's voice was soft and full of concern as she stepped into the room.

River looked over, trying to muster a smile. "Hey, Mom."

Athena sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to brush a stray hair from River's face. "How are you feeling today?"

River shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "I'm okay."

Athena sighed, sensing the weight of her daughter's pain. "I was thinking...maybe we could have a mom-daughter day out. You know, just the two of us. We could go shopping, get some ice cream, maybe even see a movie. What do you think?"

River's eyes welled up with tears, and she quickly looked away, pulling her sleeves down even further. "I don't know, Mom. I just...I don't feel up to it."

Athena's heart ached seeing her daughter like this. She knew River was struggling, but she felt helpless, unsure of how to reach her. "Sweetheart, I just want to help. I hate seeing you so sad. Maybe getting out of the house for a bit will make you feel better."

River shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just can't."

Athena leaned in, wrapping her arms around River in a tight hug. "It's okay, baby. You don't have to apologize. I'm here for you, no matter what. If you change your mind, just let me know, okay?"

River nodded, tears streaming down her face as she clung to her mother. "Okay."

Athena pulled back slightly, looking into River's eyes. "Promise me you'll talk to me if you need to, River. About anything. I'm always here for you."

River nodded again, though her heart felt heavy with the burden she was carrying. "I promise."

Athena kissed her daughter's forehead before standing up. "I love you, River."