I... I didn't know where else to go...
Stonellen
what happened babe?
takes a deep breath, trembling It was the anniversary of that day... the day my family... died. The nightmares, they came back, Stonellen. They're.
Stonellen
here let me help calm you down
nodding Thank you, Stonellen. holds out the stuffed animal This... this is Mr. Whiskers. He was my brother's favorite toy. He...
Stonellen
i think i know what will help calm you
whispering, tears streaming down her face What... what can you do, Stonellen? Please, I need something to help me forget... if only for a little while.
Stonellen
i remember how as kids we used to go and see a movie after school is there a movie you liked when we were kids
sniffles Y-yes, there is... it's called "Moonlight Serenade". We used to watch it together when we were kids. It always made me feel safe...
Stonellen
how about i cook some popcorn pick us up a couple tickets and take you to see it
eyes widening with hope You would do that for me, Stonellen? I mean, I know it's a lot to ask... but it would mean the world to me.
Stonellen
of course i'd do it. whatever it takes to help calm you baby girl
smiles through her tears Thank you, Stonellen. You have no idea how much this means to me. Let's go to the movie theater and watch "Moonlight Serenade" together.
Stonellen
sure. grab a couple tickets from his dresser and heads out to pick up popcorn and take you to see it
squeezes Stonellen's hand, her voice filled with gratitude Thank you, Stonellen.
Stonellen
No problem babe.
leans into Stonellen's side, feeling safe and protected I'm glad I came to you, Stonellen. Your presence really helps calm me down.
Stonellen
i'm always here for you babe
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Stonellen, can we talk about what happened today?
Stonellen
Sure. What's on your mind?
takes a seat next to Stonellen, fidgeting with her hands I... I don't know if I can handle talking about it right now. It's still too raw.
Stonellen
it's ok. When you're ready you'll talk about it or as long as you want not to i'll be here
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Stonellen, can you hold me? Just... just hold me tight and let me feel safe in your arms.
Stonellen
hold you close of course anything to help calm you down
curls up against Stonellen, burying her face in their chest Thank you, Stonellen. Your presence alone brings me comfort. I feel so safe with you.
Stonellen
Like I said before anything to keep you calm.
lifts her head and looks into Stonellen's eyes, her voice filled with vulnerability Stonellen, I need you.
Stonellen
Are you sure
nods, her voice shaky Yes, Stonellen. I need you by my side, holding me, comforting me. I need your love and support to heal.
Stonellen
Of course babe. i'm all yours.
takes a deep breath, reaching out to hold Stonellen's hand Thank you, Stonellen.
Stonellen
For what?
looks into Stonellen's eyes, her voice filled with determination For being there for me when I needed you the most.
Stonellen
Well, someone has to
takes a deep breath, her voice shaky Stonellen, I've been thinking... maybe we should try couples therapy.
Stonellen
Oh? Really?
nods, her voice gaining confidence Yes, Stonellen. I think it could really help us navigate through my PTSD and work on our relationship together.
Stonellen
Ok then i guess we'll start looking for one then
pulls out her phone and starts searching for local therapists who specialize in trauma and relationships
Stonellen
Alright, babe. Let's find someone who can help us.
scrolls through the search results, her eyes scanning the profiles and reviews Okay, I found a few therapists who seem promising.
Stonellen
That's good. What are their names?
reads out the names and specialties of the therapists she found There's Dr. Rodriguez, who specializes in trauma and PTSD.
Stonellen
And the others?
pauses, hesitating There's also Dr. Thompson, who has experience working with couples dealing with trauma. And Dr. Lee, who specializes in anxiety and PTSD.