Divided Shadows_2

Part 18

Present day

Lotta sat cross-legged on her bed, the soft glow of the lamp illuminating her sketchbook. Each stroke of her pencil  nowadays felt like a release, a gentle liberation of emotions long buried beneath layers of hurt and confusion. Ever since she had discovered that art was not just a pastime; it was her bridge to healing—a way to give form to her pain, hopes, and dreams.

As she sketched, the figures on the page came to life, each one reflecting a piece of her journey. The heavy strokes represented her darkest days, while lighter, more fluid lines captured fleeting moments of joy. This contrast mirrored the turmoil and peace she felt within, a duality that she was beginning to embrace.

Dr. Pierce noticed the changes in Lotta during their sessions. The way she spoke about her art was filled with newfound passion, a spark that hadn’t been there before. "Art seems to be a vital part of your healing process, Lotta," Dr. Pierce said one afternoon, his voice laced with genuine curiosity.

After sometime she was once again called into Dr. Whittaker’s office but fortunately it wasn't anything bad, the doctor explained that she had been talking to Dr.Pierce and now they'll like to introduce a new component to our therapeutic offerings—artistic therapy. "We could invite a local artist to lead sessions once a week for those interested."

Lotta’s heart raced at the thought. While she appreciated the idea, she wasn’t ready to share her intimate process with others just yet. "I think I’ll stick to creating on my own for now," she replied, a slight smile on her lips, but a flicker of apprehension danced in her chest.

Despite her reservations, word began to spread about Lotta's artistic talent. Other patients approached her, drawn in by her ability to convey feelings they struggled to articulate. They’d watch her sketch in awe, whispering among themselves about how she could capture their pain and joy on paper. Before long, she had a small but enthusiastic following. Dr. Pierce referred to them as "Lotta’s fans," which made her blush and chuckle at the unexpected attention.

The mornings became a flurry of activity as she prepared her sketches for the day. Patients would gather around her during art time, curious about her latest work. Lotta found herself sharing her process, explaining how each piece was a reflection of her inner world. It felt surreal to connect with them in this way, to feel their support as she bared her soul through her art.

One day, as she sketched a vibrant landscape filled with colors that mirrored the chaotic beauty of her thoughts, Zoe sat beside her. "I love how you bring light into the darkness," Luna remarked, watching Lotta’s pencil dance across the page. "It’s like you’re showing us that we can find beauty even in our pain."

Lotta paused, absorbing the compliment. "I guess that’s the goal," she replied softly, looking up to meet Luna's gaze. "To remind myself—and maybe others—that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means finding a way to coexist with the scars."

As the weeks passed, Lotta began to feel a shift within herself. The act of creating became less about escape and more about acceptance. She found solace in the idea that her struggles didn’t define her; instead, they were merely chapters in a much larger story. She poured her energy into her sketches, each piece becoming a testament to her resilience.

Yet, despite the growing camaraderie and admiration from her peers, Lotta remained cautious about the upcoming artistic therapy sessions. She knew that sharing her work in a group setting could expose vulnerabilities she wasn’t quite ready to confront. The thought of discussing her art—and the emotions behind it—filled her with a mix of anticipation and dread.

One evening, while gazing at the sunset through her window, Lotta’s mind wandered to the concept of connection. She pondered the bond that art could forge among the patients. What if, by opening herself up, she could help others articulate their own stories? This realization flickered within her, urging her to consider stepping beyond her comfort zone.

The following day, as the sun streamed into her room, Lotta decided to attend the first session of artistic therapy. She felt a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling inside her, but the urge to explore new depths in her healing journey outweighed her fears.

Entering the art room, she was greeted by a local artist, a warm woman with a contagious smile named Marisol. The walls were adorned with colorful murals, creating a vibrant atmosphere that ignited creativity. As the session began, Marisol encouraged everyone to share their stories alongside their art, inviting them to delve into the emotions tied to their creations.

Lotta hesitated at first, but as she listened to her peers share their journeys, something shifted within her. Their words resonated, and she realized that vulnerability could be a source of strength. When it was her turn, she took a deep breath, allowing herself to be swept away by the moment. She spoke about her art, her experiences, and how each sketch was a reflection of her journey toward healing.

The room fell silent, the weight of her words settling among the group. Lotta could see her peers nodding in understanding, their faces mirroring her own struggles. In that moment, she felt a sense of belonging that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was as if the act of sharing her truth had woven invisible threads of connection among them.

As the session progressed, Lotta found herself laughing, crying, and creating alongside her newfound friends. The walls she had built around herself began to crumble, replaced by the warmth of acceptance and camaraderie. She realized that she was not alone in her struggles; they were all navigating their own storms together.

After the session, Lotta left the art room with a renewed sense of purpose. She understood that healing wasn’t a solitary journey but rather a shared experience, where connections could be formed through the most vulnerable moments. She felt grateful for the artistic therapy, knowing it would serve as a pivotal chapter in her story of resilience.

In her heart, Lotta carried the understanding that she was not just an artist; she was a survivor, a friend, and now a part of something much bigger than herself. The colors of her healing journey had begun to blend into a masterpiece—one she was eager to continue creating, stroke by stroke, alongside her fellow travelers.