TNN ONESHOTS

Let it all out - J & AFK

Marjorie hadn't long left the office, so when the door opened and the sound of heavy breathing filled the room, Autumn didn't look up from her paperwork. It was only when the other woman started to pace, and all she could hear was footsteps that she looked.

"Are you okay?" Autumn questioned coldly before locking the door to give them some privacy. The sound of the lock turning made the other woman flinch. Autumn noticed her reaction to the door locking but didn't say anything.

"I-im fine. Just give me five minutes, and i will get on with the long list of jobs i need to get done today." She told Autumn between breaths. Janice didn't stop pacing until Autumn moved in front of her. "You are making me dizzy. Stop pacing." She told her coldly as Janice jumped at her tone.

"So are you going to tell we what all this is about, or do i have to force it out of you?" Autumn asked as she directed Janice to sit down. "You dont have to force me, im sorry." She whispered anxiously.

Janice was known for her bright smile and attention to detail, but beneath her cheerful exterior, lay a heart heavy with secrets. For years, Janice had struggled with feelings of anxiety, often feeling like she was trapped in a cage of her own. No one knew her dark secret. No one noticed, not even the people who have been through it all before.

Janice and Autumn had never really had a full conversation. It has only ever gone as far as just exchanging pleasantries in passing as they both got on with their jobs. Janice felt a spark of warmth that reminded her of her carefree childhood days when Autumn sat down next to her on the couch that was in the office but she couldn't help but tell herself that she didn't really care.

"Im going to ask you a question, and it won't be easy for you to answer, but i would appreciate your honesty." Autumn told Janice as she gingerly placed her hand on Janices knee. The older woman jumped at the contact. "I know you have dealings with my father, and i think we all know what he can be like. Are you safe?" Autumns tone was soft, a lot softer than normal.

Janice took a deep breath and found the courage to share her story. As the words flowed, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Autumn listened intently, offering her support and understanding.  Autumn sighed as he heard how her father had been treating Janice. "So what happened this morning?" Autumn asked quietly. Deep down, she was nervous about what Janice was about to say.

To Autumns surprise, she said nothing and just rolled up her long sleeves to reveal red hand prints on both her arms. "It's not that bad." She whispered before looking up at the ceiling to try and fight back her tears that threatened to fall. "This isn't the first time, is it?" Autumn questioned as Janice shook her head, pulling up her trouser leg. "That was the other weekend after i refused to go in the hot tub with him." Autumn knew just by looking at the marks that he used his belt on her.

All Janices life she had always been the strong one, the one who kept her emotions in check, believing that tears were a sign of weakness but as she sat in the office next to Autumn, the weight of the abuse settled heavily on her chest. She tried so hard to distract herself, but nothing could shake the sorrow that threatened to spill over. Autumn watched the older woman next to her. She knew exactly what was going on because she herself had been there before.

Determined not to cry, she took a deep breath and focused on the sounds around her —the distant laughter of children playing outside, the rustle of leaves in the wind. She recalled the good times she had shared with her friends before everything had happened the laughter, the adventures, and the promises they had made to always be there for each other. Each memory brought a fresh wave of emotion if what she had lost, and she felt the tears welling up, but she fought them back, clenching her fists and biting her lip. As she did, Autumn gently pulled down Janices sleeves on her top. "You can let it all out. im here, okay, and it's just us." For the first time, Janice saw Autumns softer side.

As time wore on, Janice realized that trying not to cry was only making her feel more isolated in this situation. Finally, she allowed herelf to feel rather than just suppressing the pain. With a deep exhale, she let the tears fall, releasing the emotions she had kept bottled up for so long. In that moment of vulnerability, she found a sense of peace and understanding that crying wasn’t a weakness but a natural part of healing. Autumn watched as the tears streamed down Janices cheeks. "There you go, my sweet, it's okay. Listen, im going to hug you, but it's only me." Autumn hushed before wrapping her arms around Janice.  At that moment, she wasn't holding Janice. She was holding her younger self. The little girl who was hatted by her own father.

Janice soon calmed down and looked at Autumn. "I will speak to Reece, and we will get you out of this situation. dont worry, we will save you." Autumn whispered quietly while wiping her tears gently. "Thank you." She whispered.