Page 85 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“Your recovery is just as important. You’ve been through significant trauma, too. Do you want to talk about what happened with Denver?”

I swallow hard, already shaking my head. “Not today. The details are…ugly and overwhelming. I need to work up to it.”

“That’s understandable. How about we just talk about what you’re feeling?”

What am I feeling?

I sit back and pry open some of those doors. “I was held against my will for nine months. Six days ago, we did the impossible and escaped. We’re free, but I don’t feel free. Not like I did before the abduction. I’m constantly on edge, waiting for something else to go wrong. Like, at any minute, the devil will reach out of the shadows and drag me back to hell.”

His eyes flash with a ghost of something darker, but it’s gone so quickly I’m certain I imagined it.

“PTSD can manifest in many ways.” He laces his hands together. “Feeling constantly on edge is a common symptom. But you’re safe here. With me.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

“That’s a natural response to what you’ve been through. Just remember, the devil—Denver—is dead.”

“The devil has many forms, many faces. Some might say he’s immortal.”

“Your nightmares, your demons, they’re a reflection of your trauma and can be incredibly powerful and persistent. But they’re part of your past.”

Unless the stalker in Denver’s riddle is real.

“The past and present try to blur together sometimes.” I look down, my hands twisting on my lap. “Every time I close my eyes, I’m back there. I can’t escape it.”

“Escaping isn’t about running from your fears. It’s about facing them, understanding them, and finding ways to cope with them. It’s a process, one that takes time. You need to take care of yourself, Frankie. Your heart is deeply scarred. Give yourself time and permission to heal.”

“I’m trying. But I feel like I have to be strong for everyone else. If I fall apart, who will hold everything together?”

“You don’t have to carry all of this on your own. Ask for help. Lean on others.”

“Trust me. I lean plenty. Like this session? Monty’s paying for it. He feeds me, clothes me, provides a roof over my head.”

“He’s your husband.”

“Only on paper. I don’t want to be dependent on him. I’m so used to being the one who takes care of everyone.”

“That’s the nurse in you.” He reaches out, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “You’ve shown incredible strength, but even the strongest people need support.”

“Yeah.” I slide my arm away. “You’re right.”

“It’s a process. Focus on mini-milestones. You’ve already started by meeting with me and opening up. It’s a big step.”

“Okay.” I roll back my shoulders, absorbing his words.

“You matter, Frankie. Your feelings and needs are just as important as everyone else’s. Through therapy and a solid support system, you’ll get through this.”

“My support system is incredible, but they’re struggling, too. I’m pushing them into therapy, even though they don’t want it and don’t think they need it.”

“Monty set up sessions for all four of you to meet with me. They may not like it but…” He grins. “This will only hurt a little.”

“What did you say?” A chill trickles across my scalp.

“He set up sessions—”

“No. You said…”

Don’t struggle. This will only hurt a little.

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