Whispers of Resilience

Special chapter 1

1 year later 

Elena:

For my whole life, I always wondered something about myself—the reason why I was born. Why do I always say I'm fine and alright, even though, deep down, I know I'm not? It's like I've been carrying a heavy weight that I can't quite put down, and I don't know how to lighten it.

But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that I'm not alone anymore. Thanks to Kai, who's always been by my side, I've been able to see parts of myself I tried to bury. He's always there, with his steady presence and unwavering love. And yet, I know that Kai has his own problems too. Problems he doesn't always talk about, like the way he struggles to trust others fully or how he carries the pain of abandonment from his past.

These thoughts scare me.

We've come so far, but I'm terrified that if we don't face these things, it might impact Kael and Elara. What kind of example are we setting for them if their parents are broken inside?

That's why I knew I had to do something.

It started one quiet evening, after the kids had gone to bed. I sat beside Kai on the couch, my heart racing. He looked at me, sensing something was on my mind, and without even thinking, I blurted out, "Kai, I think we need help."

He frowned slightly, not out of judgment but concern. "Help? What do you mean?"

"I mean... us. Me. You. Everything," I said, my voice trembling. "I've been carrying so much inside me for so long, and I think it's time I finally talk about it. About my past. About why I am the way I am."

Kai didn't say anything at first. He simply reached over and took my hand in his, giving me the courage to continue.

"I've never told you this, not fully," I began, taking a deep breath. "But when I was little, I spent most of my time in the hospital. My father abandoned me after my mother died giving birth to me. And in the hospital... the people who were supposed to care for me... some of them didn't even want me there."

I hesitated, the memory of that moment sharp and raw even after all these years. "I overheard one of the nurses one night. She didn't know I was awake. She said she wished I would die because I was just a waste of resources." My voice cracked, and tears blurred my vision. "I was six, Kai. Six years old. And in that moment, I felt like I wasn't worth anything."

Kai's grip on my hand tightened, and I saw his jaw clench. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he held back, letting me finish.

"That's why I became a doctor," I said, my voice steadier now. "To prove to myself—and maybe to everyone else—that I wasn't a waste. That I could do something meaningful. But in doing that, I forgot how to take care of myself. I've been so focused on helping others, on being enough, that I... I don't even know who I am without it."

Kai reached up to brush a tear from my cheek. "Elena, you're so much more than what you do. You're the strongest, most compassionate person I've ever met. And I hate that you've carried this pain alone for so long."

"But I haven't," I said softly. "Not since I met you. You've helped me more than you know. But I also know you've been through your own struggles, Kai. And I think we need to face them together. For us. For Kael and Elara."

Kai looked at me for a long moment, his eyes filled with love and something deeper—resolve. "You're right," he said. "We've both been carrying too much for too long. If we want to be the best parents we can be, the best partners... we need to face this. Together."

The next day, we scheduled an appointment with Dr. Rosen, a psychologist who came highly recommended. Sitting in her office, I felt a strange mix of vulnerability and relief.