Too Much by Kelsey Lu
I played with Indila in Jacobs office whiles he worked. Our giggles filled the room as we played on the carpeted floor, her favorite barbie toys scattered around us. We were currently roleplaying as princesses at a tea party, laughing and making jokes all around. As night came about, I noticed how heavy India's eyes were and cuddled her on the couch as I brushed her hair with my hands. Soft yawns escaped her mouth, signaling her need for sleep. I placed a plush pillow around her neck and covered her with a soft blanket and watched as she dozed to her dreams . I rose from my spot and approached Jacob, who had stopped typing to watch Camille lull his daughter to sleep. I took a seat beside him, finding this the perfect moment to address the reason why he doesn't talk to anyone. As we settled in, the atmosphere was hushed, only the soft sounds of Indila's slumber breaks the silence. "I know I haven't known you for long, but if I'm going to marry you, I need us to communicate with each other. I need to hear you. I need you to let me in and trust me" I say grasping his hands, "Why don't you talk?" He looks at me, eyes filled with sadness as I wait for him to open up to me.
Jacob took a deep breath. His voice, once imprisoned by silence, now found its way into the open air. "Growing up," he began, his voice low and trembling, "home wasn't a sanctuary. It was a place where love had been replaced by cruelty. My mother, a woman who should have protected me, loved me, nurtured and cared for me became a monster behind closed doors. Her words were like daggers, tearing into my self-esteem. Sh.. She.... would make me have intercourse with her friends who would manipulate me constantly into thinking I deserved that. I had to turn to silence as a way of protecting myself from the verbal and sexual abuse ." His eyes, haunted by memories, met my compassionate gaze. "Every time I tried to speak, it invited more pain. So, I learned to bury my thoughts and emotions deep within. Speaking became synonymous with vulnerability, and I couldn't afford to be vulnerable in that house. My mutism became a shield, a form of protection from her. From everyone."
My hand found his, as he spoke, offering silent support. "I can't even fathom the amount of pain you've been through. I honestly don't know if sorry would be enough but I'm so sorry you had to go through that," my voice soft but filled with empathy and sadness. "It's not your fault, Jacob. You were just a child trying to survive in an unimaginably difficult situation." He nodded, gratitude filling his eyes. "I've carried this burden for so long," he confessed, his voice breaking. "But now, with Indila, I want to find the strength to break free from these chains of silence. I want to heal, not just for myself but for my daughter, and for the love I plan to discover." he said, his gave unwavering, "with you." I squeezed his hand gently in support. "You don't have to face this alone," I said firmly as a promise. "We'll face this together, one step at a time. Your voice matters, Jacob, and I believe in your strength to reclaim it."
Words flowed from Jacob as he explained to me how he works as a surgeon with selective mutism. Making sure to explain in detail as I sat beside him, listening with open ears and an open heart.
Short chapter but that's what I can give you my lovelies for now. I got exams so yeah. I'll try to update soon. 😘😘
Bye my lovelies
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The Tales Of A French Woman (HEAVILY EDITING)
Romance"Don't be shy come closer," i whispered in his ear.
