Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie

Chapter 45 - The Path Forward

Last Updated on 2024-10-10 19:36:23

Wren’s gaze fell to her lap, her fingers fidgeting. “I don’t feel like I can live a normal life again.”

Dr. Mitchell’s tone was firm but gentle. “Sure you can. Also, you said you can’t be touched, but you have been holding Connor’s hand for a while now. He also rubbed your back a little bit ago.”

Wren looked up, her eyes meeting Dr. Mitchell’s. “I’ve built up a tolerance with him over time because he allows me to touch him instead of him touching me.”

Dr. Mitchell’s eyes softened with understanding. “Oh… who’s idea was that?”

Connor’s gaze was steady, filled with a resolve born of deep care. “Mine. I thought she would be more at ease if she was in control.”

Dr. Mitchell nodded approvingly. “That was a very good decision, and I would encourage you to keep doing so in the future.”

Connor’s lips curled into a small, relieved smile. “I’m glad.”

Dr. Mitchell turned back to Wren, her voice warm and reassuring. “Wren, you can definitely heal and love again. I know it may not seem like it, but you will with time and effort. You have a really great guy to support you too.”

Wren’s eyes filled with fresh tears, her voice barely audible. “He is a really good guy. For some reason, I just feel I can trust him, and that scares me.”

Dr. Mitchell tilted her head, her gaze thoughtful. “Why does it scare you? It should be a good thing.”

Wren’s voice wavered. “I can’t tell if it’s okay to trust my feelings anymore because they obviously failed me in the past. I was deceived by my own feelings.”

Dr. Mitchell leaned forward slightly, her tone soothing. “Sweetie, we can’t always read people 100%, but I can tell you now from experience, Connor is a good man. He doesn’t seem the type to hurt you.”

Connor’s gaze was filled with determination. “I told her to stay with me, and my actions will prove to her in time how much I love her.”

Dr. Mitchell’s voice was resolute. “Very true. Wren, I truly believe he is the best thing to happen to you at this time in your life. He can help you overcome this tragic past you are suffering from.”

Wren took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Connor’s with a mixture of hope and apprehension. “I’ll try and believe you guys are right.”

Dr. Mitchell’s smile was encouraging as she stood, signaling the end of the session. “That’s all I ask. Healing is a journey, but you’re not alone. You have people who care about you and want to help.”

Dr. Mitchell’s voice was calm but firm as she addressed Wren. “Now, I see you cut yourself, and that’s serious.”

Wren’s eyes filled with tears, her voice barely a whisper. “I thought it was the best way to end it and to give Connor back a happy life.”

Connor’s hand reached out to cover Wren’s. “I’d never be happy in a world without you.”

Wren’s gaze met Connor’s, a flicker of regret and realization crossing her face. “I know that now. I was selfish in thinking I could control the situation.”

Dr. Mitchell’s eyes softened with empathy. “Self-harm is never an answer. You are only hurting yourself and escaping the actual problem. It is not a solution. Not to mention your loved ones who would be hurt and unbelievably sad at your loss.”

Wren’s voice trembled. “I didn’t think of it that way.”

Dr. Mitchell nodded, moving to her desk and pulling out a small notebook. She walked back to Wren, her expression determined. “I have a plan for you. Would you like to hear it?”

Wren looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. “Yes.”

Dr. Mitchell’s gaze shifted to Connor. “Connor, you will play a big part in her recovery.”

Connor’s voice was resolute. “I’m willing to do anything.”

Dr. Mitchell’s tone was encouraging as she laid out the plan. “First, we are going to continue the medication for depression. Second, I want you to slowly work on interacting with Connor. It will be hard to allow yourself to be vulnerable, but you can do it.”

Wren’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Interacting how?”

Dr. Mitchell smiled gently. “You two are dating, so instead of avoiding intimacy, I want you to try and work on one intimate act a week.”

Wren’s curiosity was piqued. “Such as?”

Dr. Mitchell’s eyes were warm with understanding. “Little things like holding hands, hugging, kissing, cuddling, and so on.”

Connor’s gaze was tender as he turned to Wren. “Should we continue with her making the advancements?”

Dr. Mitchell nodded affirmatively. “Yes, letting her control the action will help her realize that she doesn’t need to fear anything. Not everyone is going to hurt her. Can you do that, Wren?”

Wren’s voice was quiet but determined. “I will try.”

Dr. Mitchell’s expression was encouraging. “Good. I want you to come back in one week, and we will talk about any improvements you’ve made and how you feel.”

Dr. Mitchell handed Wren the notebook she had previously taken out, giving Wren a gentle smile. “Please also write down your feelings and thoughts when you are working on your intimacy experiments.”

Wren took the notebook, nodding in agreement. “Okay.”

Dr. Mitchell walked around the desk to offer Wren a comforting hug. “Well, thank you so much for coming, and I will see you soon. You will be just fine, sweetie. Have faith!”

As they said their goodbyes and headed toward the door, Wren felt a mixture of apprehension and hope. Connor’s presence beside her was a steadying force, and the plan laid out by Dr. Mitchell, while challenging, offered a glimmer of hope for a future where healing was possible.

The cool breeze of the early evening greeted them as they stepped outside. Connor’s hand found Wren’s, holding it gently but firmly. Together, they walked toward their home, ready to face the path of recovery with newfound determination and the support of one another.

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Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie

Chapter 45 - The Path Forward

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