Chapter 10: The Unspoken Grief
Despite her physical progress, Maya still carried internal scars. Some nights, nightmares of the cold water rushing over her face woke her up screaming.
Arthur would sit by her bed, holding her until her breathing slowed down.
""I keep thinking I'm still stuck on that wet driveway,"" she cried one evening, burying her face in his chest.
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""Trauma tricks your mind into thinking you're still in the past, Maya,"" Arthur explained softly, stroking her hair. ""Whenever you feel that way, touch the ground with your feet. Feel how solid it is. You are here, in a warm room, safe with me.""
Together, they created a routine. Every night before bed, Maya would list three things that made her feel safe. Over time, the nightmares began to fade, replaced by dreams of the future.
