Milly: The Gift

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour The boxes remained, robust green squares adorned with vibrant red tied in bows. They beckoned the inquisitive minds of James and Selena. Both hesitated to eat. The tempting, delicious food did little to please their curiosity. Hunter laid the law as he did with everything, and the presents remainedContinue reading “Milly: The Gift”

Milly: Approved Visit

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour Hunter despised outside interference. He was reluctant to invite Eliza and Scarlett. Their presence was a most unwelcome experience. Their remarks were sharp, expressing their sense of distance from Milly. She was his wife, and they belonged together. He would not have her family trying to break his happyContinue reading “Milly: Approved Visit”

Milly: First Day

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour The two cribs resided in the smaller room. It took away space from Selena and left her to suffer restless nights. The room was narrow, with a large window at one end, bookmarked by a crib and bed. Nadia slept beside her brother further from the window, quiet andContinue reading “Milly: First Day”

Milly: Aiden and Nadia

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour Aiden screamed, announcing his presence in the world. Liberated from the womb, Aiden expressed joy at the newfound freedom. He stretched, wriggled fingers, and curled toes. Two days after his birth, Milly pondered the mischief her son might embark upon as he developed and grew. A restless nature broughtContinue reading “Milly: Aiden and Nadia”

Eliza: Stowaway

Eliza never doubted her love for city life, but the strain was getting to Scarlett. They had grown up on the islands of Sulani with a passion for the salty air and hot summers. San Myshuno carried its weight in industry. The city redeveloped over the years, but there were times when a thick orangeContinue reading “Eliza: Stowaway”

Charlotte: Oh, Brother!

The light faded from the sky. It bled orange, pink, purple and blue as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. Light peppered the blackening sky, bringing the contemplative and serenity Charlotte craved. In this vampires came alive. A transient moment between day and night when they could see the world in vibrant colour. Everything changedContinue reading “Charlotte: Oh, Brother!”

Charlotte: Abandonment Issues

Take a moment to enjoy the calm. Let the world around fall away and be present in this moment alone. There is nothing to fear, no pressing concerns or places to be. Let go and share experiences of life before death. To know that here, there will be no judgment. To know that here, thereContinue reading “Charlotte: Abandonment Issues”

Charlotte: Acknowledgement

Caleb reached his arm across the bed. The embroidered bedsheet, neat and taut, marked where his wife should lie. Caleb felt the cold space, concerned for her absence. In the other rooms, he could distinguish four separate heartbeats. They drummed together like a percussion ensemble. Their gentle breathing is a whispered song of hope forContinue reading “Charlotte: Acknowledgement”

Charlotte: Parallels

Relax by taking slow, deep breaths. Count down from eight. Seven. Six. Feel the tension leaving the body. Five. Four. Three. If the mind wanders, note the thought, then let it go. Two. One. The sun bled through the stain-glass and bird song chirped. Charlotte wanted to remember a time she stopped to enjoy it.Continue reading “Charlotte: Parallels”

Charlotte: Internal Conflict

Settle in a comfortable position, lying down or seated in a chair. Ensure the body feels supported. Take a slow, deep breath in, and close those eyes. Charlotte’s hands trembled long before the tears fell. Opening herself up to a stranger meant dealing with conflicting emotions. Each time she saw Dr Beck, or Oliver asContinue reading “Charlotte: Internal Conflict”