a lovely pink color, and the stunned expression on her face made him happy. Pulling on his jacket, he left with an extra spring in his step.
Chapter 11
Kelsey spent the morning fixated on the tiled ceiling and thinking about her life since the attack. Until yesterday she believed she could work through the panic attacks on her own. The truth was crystal clear. She hadn’t dealt with her issues at all but allowed them to dictate how she lived.
At first, shame over her actions caused her to re-live the accident again and again. At some point during her self-assessment, chagrin changed to resolve.
Maintaining a calm façade while watching television took all her effort. The determination to take back control of her life consumed her.
David arrived and fussed over her until she threatened to harm him if he didn’t leave and go to the office. Her shoulders slumped in relief when Ann showed up. She waited to bring up the subject until her friend settled in a chair beside the bed, and they finished the preliminary small talk.
“I’m glad you stopped by.” A nervous tremor made her voice soft. “Do you remember what we talked about the first day I came by?”
“As I recall, we conversed on several different topics. Why don’t you make this easier by telling me what’s got you so agitated?” Ann reached for her hand.
A heaviness in her chest made breathing hard. “You were right. It’s time for me to get more counseling. I can’t do this on my own.”
Once they started, she couldn’t stop the sobs coming from deep within. Ann used one hand to soothe her as if she were still a child.
“Kelsey, don’t be ashamed of asking for help. They can find a way for you to deal with the mixed emotions you’re having and start the healing process.”
When her flood of tears had reduced to the hiccups, an enormous burden seemed to lift from her spirit. She laughed at herself and desperately accepted the tissues her friend offered.
“David reminded me last night that being a prosecutor is a simply a job. I should worry about my health first, and everything else will fall into place.”
Ann chuckled. “I always believed the first step is the hardest. Now, you’ve made it. What can I do to help?”
“You mentioned a group at the center. Is there someone I could make an appointment with?”
“Riley Smith is a local psychologist who specializes in PTSD. His meetings are what’s called psychotherapy, or in terms you can actually understand, talk therapy. It’s a group session. If you want to see him one-on-one, you can make an appointment to meet at his office.”
“When do they meet? Do I just show up?” It felt strange to feel any kind of excitement again after such a long time.
“Sunday at four. I’ll let him know to expect you. There are usually around ten to fifteen people at each meeting, so you talk as much or as little as you want. Should I come back later and give you a lift home?”
Kelsey shook her head. “I was told that I would have to wait for a doctor to make rounds. David is coming back to take me home.”
Ann gave her one last hug. “Okay, well, I’m going to a meeting. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I’ll see you before or after your session on Sunday.”
By four o’clock she was restless, and a little ticked off that no one had shown up to release her. Guilt speared her conscience but didn’t stop her from pushing the call button.
In a few minutes, a nurse entered the room carrying a blue vase brimming with yellow and white daisies. “I was coming down to monitor your vitals, and these came for you. Can I get you something?”
“A ticket out of here.” She shot the nurse a teasing grin. “I’m beginning to doubt there even is a so-called doctor.”
She accepted the delivery of flowers from the nurse and breathed in a little of the outdoors before she opened a small envelope and withdrew the card. Heard you got hurt. Hope you get better soon. The first cup
Chapter 11
Kelsey spent the morning fixated on the tiled ceiling and thinking about her life since the attack. Until yesterday she believed she could work through the panic attacks on her own. The truth was crystal clear. She hadn’t dealt with her issues at all but allowed them to dictate how she lived.
At first, shame over her actions caused her to re-live the accident again and again. At some point during her self-assessment, chagrin changed to resolve.
Maintaining a calm façade while watching television took all her effort. The determination to take back control of her life consumed her.
David arrived and fussed over her until she threatened to harm him if he didn’t leave and go to the office. Her shoulders slumped in relief when Ann showed up. She waited to bring up the subject until her friend settled in a chair beside the bed, and they finished the preliminary small talk.
“I’m glad you stopped by.” A nervous tremor made her voice soft. “Do you remember what we talked about the first day I came by?”
“As I recall, we conversed on several different topics. Why don’t you make this easier by telling me what’s got you so agitated?” Ann reached for her hand.
A heaviness in her chest made breathing hard. “You were right. It’s time for me to get more counseling. I can’t do this on my own.”
Once they started, she couldn’t stop the sobs coming from deep within. Ann used one hand to soothe her as if she were still a child.
“Kelsey, don’t be ashamed of asking for help. They can find a way for you to deal with the mixed emotions you’re having and start the healing process.”
When her flood of tears had reduced to the hiccups, an enormous burden seemed to lift from her spirit. She laughed at herself and desperately accepted the tissues her friend offered.
“David reminded me last night that being a prosecutor is a simply a job. I should worry about my health first, and everything else will fall into place.”
Ann chuckled. “I always believed the first step is the hardest. Now, you’ve made it. What can I do to help?”
“You mentioned a group at the center. Is there someone I could make an appointment with?”
“Riley Smith is a local psychologist who specializes in PTSD. His meetings are what’s called psychotherapy, or in terms you can actually understand, talk therapy. It’s a group session. If you want to see him one-on-one, you can make an appointment to meet at his office.”
“When do they meet? Do I just show up?” It felt strange to feel any kind of excitement again after such a long time.
“Sunday at four. I’ll let him know to expect you. There are usually around ten to fifteen people at each meeting, so you talk as much or as little as you want. Should I come back later and give you a lift home?”
Kelsey shook her head. “I was told that I would have to wait for a doctor to make rounds. David is coming back to take me home.”
Ann gave her one last hug. “Okay, well, I’m going to a meeting. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I’ll see you before or after your session on Sunday.”
By four o’clock she was restless, and a little ticked off that no one had shown up to release her. Guilt speared her conscience but didn’t stop her from pushing the call button.
In a few minutes, a nurse entered the room carrying a blue vase brimming with yellow and white daisies. “I was coming down to monitor your vitals, and these came for you. Can I get you something?”
“A ticket out of here.” She shot the nurse a teasing grin. “I’m beginning to doubt there even is a so-called doctor.”
She accepted the delivery of flowers from the nurse and breathed in a little of the outdoors before she opened a small envelope and withdrew the card. Heard you got hurt. Hope you get better soon. The first cup
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