Page 44 of Maddox

Daddy reached over and took my hand and placed it on his lap, and then he ordered Siri to playClare’s playlist. I giggled when Let it Go came on from my favorite movie.

We were home in no time and Daddy got me settled with just some snacks because my belly felt too tight to eat much. I had both Mr. Snuggles and Henry, but what Tammy had said about me holding the bear had upset me, and took my attention from the music. It was like she’d spoiled something I took comfort in. What would I ever do if I decided to go back to college?”

“Can I help?” I glanced up at Daddy. “We don’t have to do this—” But I shook my head. It wasn’t that. Well, not just.

“What if I want to go back to school to paint? I can’t take Henry.” I hadn’t needed to before, but now everything was different.

Daddy smiled and put his hand in his pocket and brought out a silver chain. I stared as he held it up, because dangling on it was a small silver teddy. “How about you wear this teddy under your clothes as a secret? Nobody ever has to see him, but you’ll know he’s there and will keep you safe.”

“He’s adorable,” I whispered as Daddy fastened him around my neck. Daddy looked really pleased.

In no time, Anna had arrived and explained what was going to happen.

"So, we'll start by making you feel comfortable and safe," Anna explained, sitting across from me in the lounge. "I want you to understand that you're in control the entire time. If you want to stop, we stop immediately."

I nodded, clutching Henry and Mr. Snuggles to my chest. Daddy sat beside me, his presence reassuring.

"Once you're feeling settled in your Little space, I'll ask you some gentle questions about your time with Jeremy," Anna continued. "You don't have to answer anything that feels too scary or overwhelming."

"Will I remember everything afterward?" I asked in a small voice.

Anna considered this. "That depends. Sometimes the mind continues to protect itself by compartmentalizing difficult memories. But we can work on integrating those experiences gradually, at whatever pace feels safe for you."

Daddy's hand found mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll be right here the whole time, princess," he promised.

Anna smiled warmly. "Why don't we move to the playroom? Maddox tells me it's a space you feel comfortable in."

Daddy led us to the playroom, which he'd prepared before Anna arrived. Soft blankets were spread on the floor, surrounded by pillows. Gentle music played in the background.

I settled down on the cushions and clutched my bears as Anna started talking.

Daddy positioned himself nearby—close enough that I could reach for him if I needed to, but giving Anna and me space to talk.

"Clare," Anna began gently, "I want you to take some deep breaths with me. In through your nose, out through your mouth."

I followed her lead, breathing slowly. With each exhale, I felt myself relaxing deeper into the cushions.

"That's it," Anna encouraged. "Now, I want you to look around this room. What do you see that makes you feel safe?"

My eyes drifted around the playroom. "The colors," I murmured. "They're bright and happy. And my stuffies. And..." I glanced at Maddox, "Daddy."

Anna smiled warmly. "Good. Whenever you feel scared or uncomfortable, I want you to focus on those safe things, okay?" I nodded.

“Tell me what you like to do in here,” she prompted.

“Color,” I mumbled. “I want to paint real soon.” I knew I did. “Daddy reads stories.” I felt myself slip further into my Little headspace. The world seemed softer around the edges, simpler somehow.

"Now, Clare," Anna said softly, "can you tell me about the house where Jeremy kept you?"

I tensed immediately, clutching Henry tighter. Daddy made a small movement as if to come closer, but Anna held up a hand, giving me space to respond.

"It was big," I whispered. "Cold. The windows were always covered."

“So, nothing like this playroom?” Anna asked me. I shook my head almost violently.

“So there’s nothing in this space that makes you afraid?” she pushed.

“No,” I whispered, and my heart settled. This was different. I could be me in here.

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