Hearts on Broadway (Book 2)

Chapter 7 - Small Steps, Big Struggles

The sunlight filtered through the curtains of the living room, casting a soft, warm glow on the floor. It was a new day, and for the first time in a long while, Georgie felt like she could breathe. She sat on the couch, Jackson nestled in her lap, and watched as he played with his tiny hands. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he grabbed onto her fingers, and for the briefest of moments, she felt a flicker of hope.

It had been a week since her breakdown, since Morgan had come home to find her curled up on the floor next to Jackson's crib. Since then, things had been different. Not better, necessarily, but different. She had taken a small step—calling a therapist, setting up an appointment. It was something, and even though she wasn't sure if it would help, the act of reaching out made her feel like maybe, just maybe, she could start to find her way back.

Today was her first session, and though her nerves were frayed at the edges, she had promised herself she would go. Morgan had been incredibly supportive, making sure to be home when she needed him and encouraging her to take things one day at a time. He had even rearranged his schedule so he could watch Jackson during the session. She knew he was doing everything he could to be there for her, but the guilt lingered—guilt for needing help, for feeling so lost when she had everything she ever wanted.

She glanced at Jackson, who was still playing with her fingers, babbling softly to himself. He was so innocent, so full of life, and yet every time she looked at him, a part of her heart clenched. She loved him more than anything, but being his mother felt like the hardest thing she had ever done. And the more she tried to be what he needed, the more she felt like she was failing.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a reminder about her appointment, a simple notification that felt like a lifeline and a weight at the same time.

Taking a deep breath, Georgie stood up, carefully shifting Jackson to her shoulder as she carried him to the crib. "Mommy has to go out for a little bit, buddy," she whispered, kissing the top of his head. "But Daddy will be here, and I'll be back soon."

Jackson looked up at her with wide eyes, his tiny fingers reaching for her necklace. For a moment, Georgie felt a pang of doubt—did she really need to go? Wouldn't it be easier to stay home, to avoid this conversation with a stranger who would ask her to open up, to admit just how broken she felt?

But she pushed the doubt aside. She had made a promise to Morgan, to herself, that she would try. And for now, trying was all she could do.

The therapist's office was small and cozy, with soft lighting and warm-toned furniture. Georgie sat on the couch, her hands folded in her lap, nervously twisting the ring on her finger. She felt out of place, like she didn't belong here, even though she knew she needed help.

The therapist, a woman named Dr. Simms, sat across from her, a notebook in hand. She had kind eyes, and her voice was calm and soothing as she asked Georgie to tell her what had brought her to the session.

At first, Georgie hesitated, unsure of how to put her feelings into words. But as she spoke, the weight of everything she had been carrying started to spill out. She talked about the overwhelming sense of guilt she felt every day, the constant fear that she was failing Jackson and Morgan, and the exhaustion that never seemed to go away.

"I don't know who I am anymore," Georgie admitted, her voice breaking. "I used to be so sure of myself, so sure of what I wanted, and now... I just feel lost."

Dr. Simms nodded, her expression empathetic but calm. "It sounds like you've been carrying a lot of this on your own for a long time," she said gently. "And it's understandable that you feel overwhelmed. What you're describing sounds like postpartum depression, and it's not something you have to go through alone."