Page 81 of Shadows of Recovery

"Good morning, Sophie, Tristan.” He motioned for Sophie to take a seat. "Today, we're going to work through some of the trauma you've experienced. It's important to remember that you're safe here, and we're taking this step by step."

Sophie nodded, taking a deep breath as she sat down. Tristan took a seat nearby, ready to support her through the session.

Chris began gently, "Sophie, Tristan is with us as sort of a security blanket. Eventually, you and I will make it through these sessions without him. He’s going to only listen. Okay?”

Sophie chewed her lower lip and nodded.

“Good. Let's start by talking about a safe place. Can you describe a place where you feel completely safe and at ease?"

Sophie closed her eyes, thinking of the place that brought her the most comfort. "It's my home with Tristan. It’s cozy and warm," she began softly. "The porch is a calm place, and the trees around it are tall and green. I can hear the birds singing, and there's always a breeze. And the den has a wonderful reading corner."

"Good," Chris said, nodding. "I want you to hold on to that image. Whenever things get too overwhelming, imagine yourself in that safe place.

“Now, let's talk about what happened to you. It's going to be difficult, but remember, you're in control here. Pick any point you want to talk about.”

Sophie took another deep breath, bracing herself. "He killed Gene. He shot him because I made the mistake of smiling at him. Then…it was afternoon," she began, her voice trembling. "I was in the hospital basement by the pharmacy, and Damon... threw me into the gate. I hit my head and lost consciousness. After I woke up, he wanted to go to Central Supply. I told him to release a hostage. He threw me to the floor. I wanted him to release some hostages. He did. But then he said ‘You're mine now, Sophie. And you're going to learn to be obedient.’ He...dragged me into Room 15. An isolation room in the ER." Sweat broke out on her forehead. She started to shake.

Chris spoke encouragingly, "Take your time, Sophie. You're doing great."

"He hurt me," she continued, tears welling up in her eyes. "He beat me, and then... he..." Her voice broke, unable to finish the sentence.

Chris leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle but firm. "I want you to know that what happened to you was not your fault. You did nothing to deserve that. Can you tell me how you felt in those moments?"

Sophie choked back a sob. "I felt terrified and helpless. I thought it would never end. He was happy. His smile… his smile was evil.”

Chris nodded. "Your feelings are valid, Sophie, and it's important to acknowledge them. Let's talk about some ways to cope with those memories. When you start feeling overwhelmed, remember your safe place. Focus on the details—the sounds, the smells, the feeling of safety. Can you try that now?"

Sophie closed her eyes again, picturing her home. She imagined the calm breeze, the rustling leaves, the birdsong. Slowly, her breathing steadied, and she felt a small measure of safety.

"You're doing great, Sophie," Chris said, his voice encouraging. "Now, let's talk about some grounding techniques. When you feel a flashback coming on, try to focus on your surroundings. In the current moment, name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This can help bring you back to the present moment."

Sophie nodded, absorbing the advice. "Okay.” She did as Chris asked.

The session continued, with Chris guiding Sophie through various techniques to manage her pain. By the end, she was emotionally exhausted, her body trembling with the effort of confronting her raw memories.

"That's enough for today, Sophie," Chris said kindly. "You've done really well. It's important to take care of yourself now. If you need to rest, that's perfectly okay."

Sophie looked over at Tristan, her eyes filled with fatigue and a silent plea for comfort. Tristan immediately moved to her side.

"Can you hold me?" she whispered.

Tristan nodded and wrapped his arms around her. "Of course. I'm right here."

He held her close, his presence a comforting shield against the lingering shadows of her ordeal. As she leaned into him, the exhaustion began to ebb, replaced by a fragile sense of security. In Tristan's arms, Sophie felt the strength to face another day, one step at a time.

Thirty-One

As Tristan gently laid Sophie down on her bed, she immediately curled up, her body seeking the safety and comfort of what had become familiar surroundings. He knelt beside her, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

“Renee is going to stay with you until three,” he said softly. “I have some work to do in my office, but Renee knows how to reach me if you need anything.”

Sophie nodded, a small but significant sign of trust. She didn't protest or show signs of distress as Tristan stood up and left the room. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Instead of heading to his office, Tristan made his way down the hallway, his steps heavy. He approached Dr. Ellen Boyle’s office. She was the psychiatrist treating him, thanks to his brother’s insistence. He knocked on the door, a part of him hoping she was there and had time to talk.

“Come in,” Ellen’s voice called from inside.

Tristan opened the door and immediately sank into the chair across from her desk. The room was warm and inviting, filled with soft light and comfortable furniture.

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