Sisters for Life - Tiva

***Tough***

Sam got better physically. The emotional and mental healing, however, was not as progressive. The things Mr. Pillar had said about her and to her were enough to make anyone feel insecure. Sam was scared, she clung to Tony, who made her feel safe.

She was released to go home after just a few days, because the time spent away was too much mentally and emotionally. Sam was still sore in her stomach and walked very gingerly most of the time. She moved slowly, and did everything to hide her pain, but wasn't very good at it.

"Just take the medicine," Cassie pleaded.

Sam shook her head. "No, it makes me sleepy."

"So that's good! You barely even sleep anymore."

"I get at least four hours a night."

Cassie huffed and walked off. She'd been getting frustrated with Sam recently. Sam just didn't care anymore.

Sam rolled her eyes. "Cassie..."

Cassie stopped and turned around. "What" She said more than she asked.

"Stop being like that."

"Stop being like what? You need to take care of yourself! I can't handle it if you're in pain and you won't do anything to stop it!"

"Stop trying to be like my mother, Cass! I don't need the medicine and I don't need y-" Sam stopped herself before she yelled the last word.

Cassie heard it, though. She looked shocked, hurt even.

"Don't say that... don't you say that," she said softly, her voice hinting at tears.

Sam put her face into her hands. "I'm sorry cassie. I didn't mean it like that. I'm just getting a little frustrated with the pain."

Cassie held out a pill bottle. "Then take the medicine..." When Sam didn't move, cassie added, "please, sammi.."

"Fine," sam said, snatching the pill bottle and gingerly walking to the kitchen to take the medicine.

Tony and ziva came home from work around 5. They walked in and Cassie greeted them. "Mom, dad, Something's up with Sam."

Cassie told them about their conversation and expressed her concern for Sam. Ziva sighed and said, "It's tough going through something like that. She's gonna. Be a little bit different for a while. Just love her through the toughness. Kay?"

Cassie nodded. It was Tough.