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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
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This book also includes depictions o...
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Onika Maraj Manhattan Wellness Center
June 23, 2025
As I sat across from Dr. Bennett, my therapist, the room was quiet except for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. I clutched a tissue, drenched from my tears, my nerves frayed from the memories that refused to leave me alone.
Dr. Bennett leaned forward, his voice gentle.
"How have the dreams been, Nicki?"
I swallowed hard, the images from my nightmares flashing vividly before my eyes.
"I... I had another one," I started, my voice trembling. "In it, Trevante won. He killed me. It feels like... like he's still abusing me from the grave."
"It's common to feel haunted by past abusers, even in dreams. It's how our minds try to process the trauma. But remember, these dreams are not predictions; they're reflections of your fears."
I looked down, twisting the wet tissue in my hands. "But it feels so real, like I can't escape him. Even now that he's gone."
"That's the trauma speaking," Dr. Bennett explained. "Your mind is still trying to deal with the violence you survived. It's important to confront these feelings, not to let them control you."
"How?" I asked, feeling desperate for some respite.
"We keep working through it, just like this. Talking helps. Maybe writing down these dreams when you wake up, seeing them on paper, could help rob them of their power."
I nodded, considering his advice. "It's hard. Every night, falling asleep, not knowing if he'll come back in a dream."
"It is hard," he agreed. "But each time you face these dreams, you reclaim a little more of your power. You survived him, Nicki. He hasn't won. And he will not win."
I took a deep breath, the weight of his words sinking in. It was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.
Slowly, I began to feel a bit more in control, a bit further from the shadows of my nightmares.
Dr. Bennett noticed the tension in my shoulders ease slightly as we moved away from the darker topics. He shifted in his chair, choosing his next words carefully.
"Let's talk about something a bit lighter. How do you feel about your girlfriend being back?"
A genuine smile flickered across my face.
"I'm happy," I replied, but even as I said it, I could feel my body tensing up again, a reflex I didn't fully understand until Dr. Bennett caught it.
"Are you sure?" he probed gently. "I noticed you tensed up just now."
