Abandoned

18

"I see what you mean, she definitely depends on you and your presence for comfort and security. Now it isn't a bad thing, atleast she is showing some trust which is a huge step for her considering her circumstances" Laila Aaziz states whilst observing the girl curled up in the psychologists lap.

The psychologist nodded in agreement whilst gently removing the girls fingers from her mouth. Knowing this was a tell tale sign of her hunger they started to get up from the floor.
"Should we get something in your tummy darling, you're hungry aren't you." The psychologist said to the little girl before she turned to the social worker.

"As I said in the meeting we are keeping her primarily on a puréed diet until she is able to tolerate lumpy foods. She can eat things like rice or lumpy soups as they're easy to swallow but she struggles with anything she has to really chew."

As zareya started to prepare a snack for the girl she was explaining everything to the social worker. This lady is much nicer than Ms Hain.
"Today we are going to try a banana, she loved the banana yogurt we tried yesterday so today she's having banana with a few small lumps."

Feeding Sienna was always a messy process, she had little understanding of how to use cutlery but did always try her best by watching what others were doing. Today however was a much different situation. The second sienna got a small taste of the banana her eyes widened and she immediately reached for the bowl. She remembered eating this with her mama, it was her favourite and she hadn't had it in so long.

The adults let Sienna take the bowl wand watched and she scooped handful after handful of the mashed banana into her mouth, clearily enjoying it. This simple joy was contagious, and the room filled with laughter and encouragement. Her progress was visible not just in her newfound ability to enjoy the banana, but also in her increased energy and brighter demeanor.

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Sienna was busy playing with her beloved elephant whilst the adults continued to talk. By now the social worker knew everything she needed to and was able to make a few of her own assessments.
It was now quite late in the afternoon and it was time for Sienna to have her version of a bath.

The psychologist learnt within the first few days that Sienna does not like large bodies of water, even being near them stresses her out. So as a compromise zareya washes her over with warm water and soap until they are able to safely introduce bath time.

"Right I should probably warn you that this is siennas least favourite part of the day. She hates water and has only just started to properly let me change her diaper. She gets really uncomfortable but of course it has to be done so I try to do it as quickly as possible. She also doesn't like anyone being near her arms during either of these times. I suspect she has trauma relating to both, it's just heartbreaking."

Ms Aaziz nods in understanding and goes to sit down in a chair across the room, leaving the psychologist to do what she does best.

Sienna was cleaned and changed within 15 minutes and was now getting cosy in some silky pyjamas. Throughout the process Zareya made sure to check on her wounds and made a note of how nicely they were healing. The angry rash that was once covering the girls thighs was still present but had been healing with the help of an antibiotic ointment which was applied three times a day.

Once they were finished zareya scooped Sienna up for some mandatory cuddles, she loved this part of the day. Sienna wrapped her arms around the woman's neck and burried her face into her shoulder. Her small body wiggled with eagerness as she nestled closer to Zareya's chest, feeling safe and adored. The soothing constant of Zareya's heartbeat lulled her into a deep calmness.

Sienna had grown to trust this person. She wasn't bad and she didn't hurt her. She gave her cuddles, and toys, and warmth. Although she didn't know, for the first time in a while Sienna felt loved.

The small girl gently released her grip on the woman and moved herself so she could see her favourite face. Zareya smiled softly, brushing a stray curl from Sienna's brow. "Hello there darling."

Hearing the gentle voice speaking calm words to her made Sienna feel warm. She really loved this person. Slowly she brought her hand up to zareyas face and just felt. It was like she was really taking in her appearance for the first time. Her hand danced across all of the woman's features. Zareya closed her eyes and let the little fingers explore, cherishing each tender touch.

Sienna however didn't want that, the woman's eyes were her favourite part. She let out an unhappy whine and gently poked at the woman's cheek.

"Okay sweetheart," Zareya said, her eyes fluttering open with a twinkle, "I'm here." Sienna settled back down in contentment but continued to poke at the woman's cheek. She found it fun. With each gentle poke, Zareya's smile widened, her soft laughter a soothing melody that encouraged Sienna.

Overcome by warmth and safety Sienna slowly moved her face towards zareyas and very slowly placed a delicate kiss upon the psychologists cheek.

Zareya's heart melted at the tender gesture. It was moments like these that reminded her of the impact she could have.

Ms Aaziz who sat across the room loved to watch the pair content in each other's company. She observed silently, feeling grateful for the bond they shared, a bond that was becoming the core of Sienna's healing journey.

Ms. Aaziz sighed contentedly, knowing that moments like these were precious and transformative. She knew Sienna was making progress and that whatever the psychologist was doing with her was helping. She just hoped everyone else was able to see that.