Trauma of the Forest (Meadema)

~ Chapter 34: Streams of Tears ~

Pushing boundaries. Taking on challenges. Overcoming fears. It would be central to their mental recovery in the coming period. Now came another difficult moment for Beth, a moment of overcoming fears. Now was the time that she had to leave Viv all alone to go and get Viv's parents herself. Now there was no Katie or nurse to keep an eye on her. Now Viv would be alone for a few minutes. But was she ready to take that step now?

A lump rose in her throat, her heartbeat accelerated abruptly, her blood was pumping through her body at a rapid pace. 'Uhmm Vivi... I need to go downstairs to get your parents. Can you stay here alone for a moment?'. Viv looked at her, sensing the building fear that Beth was clearly experiencing. 'Liefje... Of course I can stay alone for a moment. I can take care of myself for a few minutes, really. Don't worry, okay?'.

All Beth did was nod, her gaze seemed to become even more somber, the clear sign that taking this step was much bigger for Beth than Viv realized. Tears slowly formed in Beth's eyes again. Viv had to do something about this, come up with something to make sure that Beth's anxiety would be reduced a little. 

'Hey liefie, come here for a moment. It's okay. I'll be fine here.' Very slowly Beth's sobs filled the room. Carefully, with suppressed groans of pain, she gently took Beth's hand and pulled it a little closer to her. Tears streamed from Beth's eyes, pooling onto Viv's blankets.

She let her cry for a moment, she knew that this was all mental frustration and irritation that had to leave her body again. Somehow it hurt her that she had to convince Beth that she could be alone, because she of course knew that Beth didn't want to leave her alone. But this shouldn't become a normal thing, it shouldn't become a habit that Beth couldn't set a foot anywhere without her.

And then all of a sudden, Beth started talking through her sobs. 'It's just... The last time I left you alone, something terrible happened. I don't want that to happen again'. Very slowly Viv pulled Beth's hand towards her again, which caused Beth's whole body to come closer to Viv. When she was within reach, Viv's arm reached up, despite the pain, and placed her hand on Beth's neck.

'Lieverd, I'll be fine. I promise. You'll be back here before you know it. Otherwise, bring your phone. If there really is something, I can call you. Okay?'. Slowly a small smile came back on Beth's face. 'Yeah, Okay. I love you'. Viv pulled Beth towards her with her hand on the back of her neck and gave her lips a soft peck. 'I love you too. I'm proud of you'.

Viv let go of Beth who was turning around, so she could grab her phone from the side table. She grabbed Viv's hand once more to give it a soft kiss. 'I will be right back'. Beth immediately turned around and walked out of the bedroom at a fast pace, causing Viv to giggle a bit. But somewhere she was terribly worried, that Beth wasn't a shadow of her normal self. That it took Beth so much effort to let go of Viv. Viv knew immediately that the coming months would only be about mental rehabilitation, a lot of talking, no matter how difficult she finds that. But Viv was especially proud. Beth could be quite stubborn at times, she couldn't be talked into it. But now she had taken the step, even if she only left her alone for 5 minutes, it was something.

Beth dashed through the halls, at a fast walking pace, to get back to Viv as quickly as possible. Somewhere, anxiety had built up inside her again. In a minute, she would be reunited with Carolien and Renee. But were they still supportive? Would they be angry with her when they saw how badly their daughter had been beaten up? Would they still chase her out of the room now? Away from their daughter? Forever?

She came closer and closer to the main entrance, checking her phone every two seconds or so to make sure Viv wasn't calling. And then suddenly she saw them standing a few meters away from the main entrance. Viv's parents, standing hand in hand, looking at Beth with a sad smile on their faces. But luckily Beth immediately saw that there was also a lot of concern and love radiating from them.