The morning after Flora had reached out to Dr. Marlowe, a sense of cautious optimism lingered in the air. It wasn't that she felt miraculously better, but for the first time in weeks, she didn't feel like she was entirely alone in her struggle. The simple act of asking for help, of admitting to herself that she couldn't manage everything by herself, felt like a small victory.Sky had been by her side all morning, checking in on her after she'd made the call. His quiet presence was a comfort, even as Flora continued to battle the overwhelming wave of emotions inside her. She had been so used to being the strong one, the nurturing friend who took care of everyone else, that this sudden vulnerability felt like a heavy weight on her shoulders."Sky," Flora whispered as she stared out the window. "Do you think I'm broken?"Sky, who had been sitting at the edge of her bed, paused for a moment before answering. "No, Flora. You're not broken. You're just going through something difficult, and that doesn't make you any less strong or important. We all go through hard times. It's okay to need help."Flora nodded slowly, trying to absorb his words, but the guilt still gnawed at her. "I just feel... so small. Like I can't even take care of myself anymore. It's like I'm slipping away from the person I used to be."Sky reached out, gently touching her arm. "You're still the Flora we all know and love. You haven't changed. You're just going through a tough time, and that doesn't make you any less of the person you are."His words were gentle, but Flora couldn't shake the feeling that she was losing her grip on who she was. The idea of becoming someone else—someone weaker, someone dependent on others—frightened her.But as Sky continued to sit beside her, she realized that maybe she didn't need to be strong all the time. Maybe it was okay to let go, to lean on the people who cared for her.---The next day, Flora had an appointment with Dr. Marlowe. She arrived at the clinic feeling a mixture of nervousness and relief. She didn't know exactly what to expect, but deep down, she knew she needed help to understand what was happening to her. The constant accidents, the mental fog, the emotional rollercoaster—it all seemed to be spiraling out of control.Dr. Marlowe was kind and professional, greeting Flora with a warm smile. "Flora, I'm glad you reached out. You're not alone in this, and we'll work together to understand what's going on."Flora sat down on the examination table, her hands wringing together nervously. "I don't know what's happening to me, Dr. Marlowe. I feel... like I'm losing control. I can't focus, I keep having accidents, and I feel like I'm regressing back to a time when I was younger, when I needed help with everything."Dr. Marlowe nodded thoughtfully, taking notes. "It sounds like you've been experiencing some symptoms of age regression. This can happen when someone is under significant stress or trauma, and their body and mind react by retreating into a more childlike state as a way to cope."Flora frowned. "But why is it happening now? I've been through so much before, and I've always managed. Why now?"The doctor leaned forward, her expression sympathetic. "Stress, emotional trauma, and physical exhaustion can accumulate over time, Flora. Sometimes, it's not until the stress becomes too much that the body reacts in this way. Age regression can be a form of coping mechanism, especially if someone is feeling overwhelmed or unsupported."Flora's mind raced. "So... this is all just me reacting to stress? But it feels so real. It feels like I'm actually *becoming* a child again."Dr. Marlowe nodded. "It's a common reaction. Your body and mind are trying to protect you. It's not that you're regressing permanently, but that your subconscious is asking for care, safety, and nurturing. It's a way of allowing yourself to feel secure again."Flora sat back, processing the information. "But I don't want to be like this. I don't want to be weak. I want to be the person I was."The doctor gave her a compassionate smile. "It's not weakness, Flora. Sometimes, we all need help to heal, and that's okay. What you're feeling is valid. And with time, we can help you regain a sense of balance."Flora's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the weight of her emotions was far from lifted. She still felt uncertain, but the doctor's understanding made her feel less isolated.Dr. Marlowe continued, "I'd like to work with you over the next few weeks to help you process what you're going through. It will take time, but with some support and guidance, you can regain your sense of self."Flora nodded quietly. "I'll try. I don't want to stay like this forever.""You won't," Dr. Marlowe assured her. "But healing is a process, and it's important to be gentle with yourself."---When Flora returned to the mansion, she felt a sense of determination. The visit had been difficult, but it had also given her some much-needed clarity. She wasn't broken, as she had feared. What she was experiencing was a temporary reaction to stress, and with the right support, she could regain control.Sky and the others were waiting for her in the living room when she entered. Their eyes immediately softened with concern."How did it go?" Bloom asked gently, her voice filled with care.Flora smiled weakly. "It's going to take some time, but I'm not broken. I just need help—more than I realized. I've been trying to do everything on my own, but I can't. I need all of you."Stella stepped forward, placing her hands on Flora's shoulders. "We're here for you, Flora. You don't ever have to face this alone."Flora's eyes filled with tears as the warmth of her friends' words settled deep in her heart. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe she could heal. Maybe she could regain her sense of self with their support."I don't want to be a burden," Flora whispered, her voice trembling."You're never a burden to us," Sky said, his voice steady and reassuring. "We're your family, Flora. We're here to help, no matter what."Flora nodded, wiping her eyes. "Thank you, Sky. Thank you, everyone. I don't know how I would've made it this far without all of you."The group gathered around her, offering their support in their own unique ways. Layla squeezed her hand, Bloom gave her a warm hug, and Stella pulled her into a playful side hug. It was as if, in that moment, Flora realized that even though she couldn't do everything on her own, she didn't need to. She had a family in the Winx and the Specialists, and they would walk this journey with her, every step of the way.---#### **A New Beginning**Over the next few weeks, Flora continued to see Dr. Marlowe, attending therapy sessions that helped her understand her emotions and the reasons behind her age regression. While the process was slow, Flora began to feel more like herself again. She allowed herself to lean on her friends, to accept help, and to take breaks when she needed them. It wasn't always easy—there were moments when she felt the pull to hide away from everyone, to keep her struggles to herself. But every time she was about to retreat into isolation, one of her friends was there, reminding her that she didn't have to face this alone.And as the days went by, Flora began to regain control. Slowly but surely, she started to feel more grounded, more like the confident, nurturing person she had always been. She was learning to give herself the care she needed, not out of weakness, but out of strength. Her journey was far from over, but Flora had made a breakthrough. She no longer felt like she was losing herself; instead, she was learning how to take care of herself, to be gentle with herself, and to embrace her vulnerability. And as she did, the love and support of her friends filled the gaps, helping her heal one day at a time.---
