AllFreeNovel
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The therapist I spoke to before I returned to Meadowvale said it would be better to share my horrible experience with someone.
She is a kind woman with gentle eyes and a soothing voice, had tried to convince me that sharing my experience would be cathartic. But I was hesitant. Talking about it felt like ripping open a wound, exposing the raw pain that I had been trying to bury deep inside.
I remember as the therapist asked me to describe what had happened, the sun shone through the window, casting bright rays of light across the room. But I couldn't feel its warmth. All I could feel was the suffocating weight of my memories, like a drowning man struggling to break free.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I knew I needed to do this, for my own sanity. As I began to speak, something shifted inside me. It was as if the words were coming from a place that I had been keeping locked away, and by saying them, I was finally starting to release the pain and fear that had been consuming me. And for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope.
Maybe I can confide in Joe about something in the future, but not everything.
“I've just been thinking about... stuff,” I mumble, unable to meet his gaze. I know it's not much of an explanation, but it's the best I can offer right now.
Joe studies me for a moment longer before nodding slowly. “Alright, man. Just remember, I'm here if you ever want to talk about it,” he says, his tone gentle yet firm.
I nod in response, grateful that he isn’t pushing me for answers. I’d guess he already knows my internal struggle. I’ve confided in him a few times before about my missions and how traumatizing they can be. He probably understands without me having to say a word.
“So, about tonight,” he continues, changing the subject with practiced ease. “I was thinking we could gather some wood for the bonfire. What do you say?”
The mention of the bonfire brings a flicker of excitement to my otherwise troubled mind. It's been a while since we've had one, and the idea of spending the evening surrounded by friends and laughter is exactly what I need right now.
“Yeah, sounds good,” I reply, a hint of enthusiasm creeping into my voice. Maybe tonight will be the distraction I've been searching for, a chance to escape the turmoil of my thoughts, if only for a little while.
Together, Joe and I set off to gather wood for the bonfire, the crackling of twigs and the scent of pine filling the air.
"Have you seen the girl that’s just moved into town?” Joe asks, scanning the woods. “The one with the baby?”
I shift my weight to one leg and plant my hands on my hips. “Anya?”
He snaps his fingers. “Yes, her.”
My brows furrow. Joe does not have any interest in gossip. If he heard something, then it means the news is already spreading around town. Anya being the talk of the town doesn’t sit right with me. “What about her?”
“Heard she’s Spencer’s ex. How true is that?”
I hold my head. It feels like it might explode if I don’t. “That was two years ago. How did you hear about that?”
Joe wasn’t at the dinner and no one else on that table would spread the news like that, unless…
“Spencer’s been going around telling everyone that cares to listen,” Joe says.
I lace my fingers through my hair. “That fucking idiot.”
“Do you think there’s a chance of them getting back together?”
Anger flares in my chest. “No way.” I don’t tell him about Spencer cheating on Anya; that is not my story to tell, but I scowl, my eyebrows knit together to show him how serious I am. “Spencer behaves like a teenager and Anya is a mother. She needs someone responsible.”
Joe rears back, holding his hands up defensively. “Chill, man. You’re getting worked up over nothing.” He scratches his beard. “I’m not saying they need to get back together. I also think your brother has a lot of growing up to do, and Anya seems like a nice woman. I took Billy to the vet clinic two days ago and she did a wonderful job with him.”
By Billy, he means his five-year-old male goat.
“Yeah, sorry,” I mutter, trying to reign in my emotions. The mere thought of Anya being hurt again ignites a fierce protectiveness within me. “It's just. I know Anya deserves better than that,” I continue, my voice more controlled this time.
He gives me a suspicious glare. “You sound like you knew her before now.”
“Well…” I bite my lips, weighing whether to tell him or not. I decide to tell him because I know Joe would rather die than share my secret with anyone. “We had a thing before I left for the last mission.”
Joe doesn’t hide his surprise as his jaw drops open.
“It was fleeting, and I had no idea she was my brother’s ex.”
