The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Safe

TW Talk about sexual assault

based on a true story

In her next therapy session, Charlotte sat quietly for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she began to speak. Her therapist gave her the space to process, knowing it had been an emotional time.

When Charlotte finally spoke, her voice was soft but full of emotion. "Mia... she makes me feel so safe," she said, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I've never felt this way with anyone before. It's like being wrapped in a constant sense of peace, even when everything else feels chaotic."

The therapist nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"After everything I've been through, I didn't think I'd ever find someone who would love me like this, who would be patient with me. Mia... she just knows how to take care of me, you know? Whether it's making sure I eat when I'm too tired or stressed, or just holding me when I'm having a bad day. I never have to ask. She just knows."

Charlotte paused, her smile growing as she thought about Mia. "And when we're... intimate, she's so gentle. I was afraid at first, after what happened in the parking lot. I didn't know how I'd feel about being close to someone again. But with Mia, it's different. She never pushes and never makes me feel like I have to rush. She takes her time, and it's always about making sure I'm comfortable. She's so kind and understanding."

Her therapist listened, sensing the depth of Charlotte's feelings. "It sounds like Mia gives you a sense of security and love that you hadn't experienced before."

Charlotte nodded. "Exactly. I think, for the first time in a long time, I feel... genuinely happy. Like, I can breathe again. I can trust someone completely without worrying that they'll hurt me." Her eyes softened. "Mia makes me feel whole."

She looked out the window, as though picturing her girlfriend. "I think that's what love is supposed to feel like. Safe. Kind. Real."

Charlotte took a deep breath, allowing herself to sink deeper into her thoughts. The words came more easily now as she felt the weight of her emotions lift a little. "Mia doesn't just make me feel safe. She makes me feel... seen. There are parts of me that I've kept hidden for so long—things I didn't want anyone to know. But with her, I don't feel like I have to hide."

She paused, her fingers fidgeting slightly as she spoke. "Like, when we're at home together, she notices the little things. If I've had a rough day at work or if something's bothering me, she doesn't press, but she knows. She'll run me a bath or make sure I eat, even when I'm not in the mood. It's as if she's in tune with me in ways no one else ever was."

The therapist gave her an encouraging nod, sensing that Charlotte was still processing something deeper. "And how does that make you feel, knowing Mia is so aware of your needs?"

Charlotte smiled, though there was a hint of vulnerability behind it. "It makes me feel... loved. I never had that before. I mean, I've had relationships, but they always felt one-sided, or there was always this pressure to be something I wasn't. With Mia, there's none of that. She loves me as I am, flaws and all." Her eyes softened as she spoke as if remembering specific moments. "She's patient with me, even when I'm not patient with myself. Especially after... what happened. I was scared that intimacy would be different, that I'd never feel comfortable with anyone again."

Her therapist leaned in slightly, listening carefully. "And how has it been for you, reclaiming that sense of intimacy with Mia?"

Charlotte took a moment to reflect. "At first, it was terrifying. After the assault, I couldn't imagine being close to anyone. The idea of someone touching me made my skin crawl, even if I knew it wasn't fair to Mia. But she never made me feel pressured. It was like she understood without me having to say anything."