He Saved Me

Chp 34

Michael's POV
     Mia seemed annoyed that I was joining their session. I figured it's because she's shy. But why be shy around me? Emily handed both of us a piece of paper and some colored pencils. She also took one for herself as well. "Ok, so on this paper I want you to draw the last dream you can remember. It could be anything, good or bad. Any detail that stood out to you," she said with a smile. I looked at Mia and she looked highly uncomfortable.
     "You ok sweetheart?" I asked her. She nodded her head yes without looking at me. The 3 of us began our drawings. We were quiet for the most part, other than me humming. Occasionally, I would glance over at Mia's paper to see what she was drawing. But she would catch me staring each time and try to cover up her paper. I chuckled and continued to draw. I drew a big field, with luscious green grass, lots of flowers and trees, and my children and I taking a stroll. I had this dream a few nights ago, and it still makes me feel warm inside when I think about it.
     When were done drawing, Emily suggested we share our drawings and describe what's going on. She wanted us to explain why this dream or this part of the dream stood out to us. She volunteered to go first. She revealed her drawing and it was a big bowl of pasta. "I had a dream last night that my husband and I cooked pasta. It stood out to me because that was our first date when we were in college. He cooked me pasta and brought it over to my dorm. To relive that in my dream made me feel happy," she said with a smile. "Michael, why don't you share yours next?"
     I cleared my throat and revealed my drawing to Emily and Mia. "I had this dream a few nights ago. My children and I were walking in a beautiful field with lots of greenery and a clear sky. I love nature and the beauty of it in my dream made me feel inspired. Plus, I've been very busy with work recently. So the thought of being in the middle of no where, just my children and nature, makes me feel happy," I said with a grin.
     "Wow Michael, that's a beautiful drawing. You're an amazing artist," Emily complimented.
     "Hehe thank you," I replied shyly.
     "Ok Mia, it's your turn now," Emily encouraged. Mia looked down at her drawing and frowned.
     "Mine isn't a happy one," she said in almost a whisper.
     "That's ok honey. It doesn't have to be a happy one. It's whatever dream you last remember," Emily said with a smile. Mia still looked unsure of herself. I wrapped my arm around her, and kissed her cheek.
     "Come on babygirl, it's okay," I encouraged. She slowly revealed her drawing. It was lots of red and dark colors. There's a little girl in the corner with tears coming out. On the floor in front of her are various objects. Remotes, wooden spoons, hairbrush, rolled up newspapers, belts, and shoes. And then all you see in the other corner is a female's hand. The hand had long red nails. Instantly my heart dropped.
     "Why did this part of the dream stand out to you honey," Emily asked softly.
     "Um so... um my old mom used to hit me. And these were all the things she would use to hit me with. And I-I just thought that it was weird that I saw all these... um things on the floor that she would hit me with," Mia managed to say. She paused for a bit, examining her own drawing. "I know it's weird but I don't ever really have good dreams. They're all like this. But this was the first time I saw all these ob-objects," she explained.
     "You did a great job Mia. It's okay that your dream wasn't a happy one. Not all dreams are," she assured her. Mia kept looking down at her drawing. "So what is this supposed to be?" Emily asked pointing to the blob of red next to the girl in the drawing.
     "Blood," Mia said without looking up. Instantly I had tears running down my face. I pulled Mia out of her chair, and into my arms. I held her tight to my chest, placing kisses all over her. This time, I was the one who needed comfort out of this hug. I was the one who needed reassurance. To think of my babygirl in pain, and reliving those horrendous nights in her sleep absolutely broke me.
     "Why are you crying Daddy?" Mia asked.
     "No reason baby. Just know that I love you so much Mia. You know that right?" I asked. She nodded her head yes and kissed the tip of my nose. She brings me so much joy, I can't even put it into words. I turned her around in my lap, refusing to let her go. She was now facing Emily in my lap, who was ready to continue the session.
     "So these are things she would use to hit you with, right?" Emily asked. Mia nodded her head yes. "Did she ever use anything else that you didn't draw here?"
     "Well sometimes she would just use her hands when she couldn't get her hands on anything else," Mia replied.
     "Where would she hit you?" Emily asked.
     "Everywhere," Mia said quietly.
      "Like spankings? Were they like the spanks you get on your bottom from Daddy?" Emily asked. I cringed at the comparison, knowing fully well that what I do is nothing like what her mother did to her. Mia nodded her head no.
     "She would usually slap my face or my back. And when she would use objects, it was anywhere she could aim," Mia said. More tears came running down my face. This is the most I've heard her speak about her abuse. It broke my heart. Why would anybody hurt an innocent child? I don't understand.
     "Did she slap you on that night you ended up in the hospital?" Emily asked. Mia played with her fingers, trying to avoid the question. I ran my fingers through her curls as I placed kisses on the top of her head.
     "Answer babygirl," I whispered gently to her.
     "Um y-yeah," Mia stuttered.
     "Did she use any objects?" Emily asked.
     "She used a wooden spoon. And then when I was on the ground, she um... she kicked me here," Mia said pointing to her ribs. I could hear Mia's voice tremble, realizing how hard this is for my baby.
     "What happened after that honey?" Emily prompted.
     "She got on her knees and put her hand around my neck and squeezed," Mia confessed with tears coming down her face. I could no longer control my emotions either, and began to cry while holding Mia tight. Emily noticed both our breakdowns and suggested we take a break. I nodded my head and continued to hold my baby in my arms. I don't think I ever want to let go of her again...