Shattered

14

While Brice is reading her life story Savana does her best to block out his voice. She doesn't need to hear him saying what she has a hard time not reliving every moment. She concentrates on what happened to her after she blacked out at her home.

Brice finishes reading about the time she finishes writing. He takes the iPad and starts reading. He gets sicker and sicker as he reads what those bastards did to her.

She was groped and worse. Perhaps they didn't fully rape her, but touching her like they did and talking to her the way they did was nearly as bad.

Even the therapist couldn't fully hide his revulsion at what was done to her.

Brice needs a bit of time to collect himself after reading the detailed account. He hopes that the sheriff comes after him. It will save him the trouble of hunting that bastard down. Brice hides his feelings well but he pulls Savana into his side and holds her as she desperately tries to pull herself together.

"I am very sorry you experienced that horrible series of events. I am in awe of the strength that you are showing at this time. I am amazed that you are able to find any one that you are comfortable with enough to fully trust." The doctor tells her and his words help Savana pull herself together just a bit.

"Losing your parents the way you did and by someone that was trusted. That person being the brother of your boyfriend would have been even more impacting. The fact that he was in law enforcement would do a great deal of damage as well. I can't really think of much that would be even more devastating.

"That being said, I don't think that you have even fully felt the impact of losing your parents yet. The fact that they were basically your life and that they are gone hasn't fully been felt. You are going to feel that impact once you feel fully safe and it will hit hard."

The doctor looks at Brice, "When that happens she's going to need someone she trusts to comfort her and just hold her until the worse of the storm passes. Once that storm passes there will likely be others, but probably not as strong." The doctor carefully moves to his bag and takes out a folder. Going through the folder he takes out a paper. He makes sure that his moves are slow and careful, he has no desire to startle Savana or Brice. He believes it very possible that Brice is carrying a gun and doesn't wish to have proof by having the gun aimed at him.

"This paper talks about the cycle grief can take. It also gives some ideas on how to healthily release the grief.

"I know that this session has been very painful and raw for you Savana, I'm sorry I had to put you through that. But I needed to know what you suffered so I would know how best to help you. Our time has ended for the day, but I would very much like to meet with you again next week. I would meet with you sooner, but my schedule won't permit it."

"Dr. Califax, I thank you for your time." Brice tells him as he takes the paper from the therapist and brings it over to Savana. He waits for her to finish writing before taking the iPad and handing over the paper.

"Thank you, Doctor. I know that you recounting what happened to you wasn't easy either." Brice reads.

Califax gives her a pained smile. "Time might not heal all wounds, but it does dull the pain somewhat. I will be doing my best to help you get to the point where you will be able to handle the pain until it dulls for you as well. There is no time schedule for grief. Your parents were your world and I'm sure that you were theirs. That wound is very deep and painful and will take time for you to be able to handle.

"I just hope to help you enough that one day you will be able to speak once more." Califax tells Savana as he stands up and then shakes their hands.