Invisible Mask | LT Mystery ✔️

Chapter Four: Unquiet Mind

AUTHOR'S POV

After their wounded loved one left in what was a tornado of emotions Larry and mama held on tightly to each other...the fluidity of their tears falling onto the well stitched garments that cover them. When Larry let go to look in her eyes he whispered that everything will be ok then led her to the kitchen table for a seat while he makes her a hot cup of chamomile tea that will soothe her. As she waits she hears one half of the two most important people in her life in the kitchen which allows some reflection time of her own and much like Larry her reflection spans back years. She can vividly recall times in their childhood where Laurent was withdrawn, then there were moments where he was angry. Very angry. Children go through a lot of phases but being angry often and acting out typically isn't one of them. It would get so bad at times she sought counsel from friends and family when the resistance from Laurent whenever she tried to talk to him happened often in the hope they can help her figure out what could be wrong. There was one person she talked to more than others, Charles. Charles is her husband who had been the primary father figure in their lives since the divorce from Larry and Laurent's. The boys showed resistance to him the closer he got to mama and she was sure it was because they wanted her to stay with their father. The fact that they eventually married which prompted a move didn't help because it meant that the boys had to start a new school and make new friends. As time went along they seemed to be coming around and adjusting to everything as best as they could...but months later is when she noticed a change in Laurent's change in behavior. One night in bed she asked Charles if he noticed Laurent acting strangely to which he replied that it was most likely because of the move and having to make new friends but in time he will be fine. It made complete sense to her so she agreed but internally told herself that she would continue watching him to see if he improves, or if the withdrawn behavior got any worse. There were days he seemed ok and would happily play with Larry. Then there were days he looked sad as though something was deeply troubling him that went far beyond what she thought. Every time she asked he always replied that he's ok. He even went so far as to confirm what Charles said in that he wasn't making any friends at school so he thought the kids didn't like him. She held him close to her and assured him that he is a wonderful, sweet person who would make friends in no time. That seemed to do the trick. Or perhaps Laurent was merely pretending he believed her so she wouldn't worry. As a result Laurent tried his best to appear happy as if he was doing better for the sake of mama so she wouldn't worry so much...but it would have been very difficult for one not to notice that his mood for the most part didn't change. He was sheltered and hardly spoke to anyone in the household no matter how delicately he was approached. His gaze was always fixated straight ahead there was no sign of life behind his eyes. Mama thought the best thing to do was to take him to a child psychologist to see if that would be a success but he wouldn't say anything there either. He was very cautious and afraid of talking to someone who was essentially a stranger to him, which was understandable, but she as well as the psychologist did everything they could to alleviate his fears while at the same time assuring him that he was in a safe environment to talk about his feelings. Sadly it didn't work and even after a second try at therapy Laurent still wouldn't speak. Now, history is repeating itself because he's become sheltered again and just like then he isn't talking to his family about what's bothering him and will more than likely be against talking to someone else. It's crippling to her soul and she takes her fingertips to gently massage her temples while releasing a silent exhale...racking her brain trying to figure out how to get her love well...

Larry: "Mama? Here's your tea". 

Mama: "Thank you son". 

Larry: "Welcome". 

Larry sits next to her and for the first few moments it's silence between them as they take small sips of the freshly brewed tea. Mama then looks over at Larry and seeing her gaze on him he looks up at her as he gently places his mug on the table. There's pain behind those brown eyes of hers as well as the profound despair of not knowing what to do. Larry takes his hand and places it over mama's shaky one and as he soothes her by gently rubbing his thumb over her soft skin...