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Small Cut, Big Memory

Author: Jenne Lopes
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-04 15:00:25

Maya

"Alex?" I asked, confused by his disproportionate response.

He didn't seem to hear me, trapped in some internal vision. His breathing grew more labored, hands gripping the table edge with white-knuckle force.

I quickly wrapped my finger with a tissue and approached cautiously. "Alex, it's just a small cut. Nothing serious."

When I touched his arm, he flinched violently before awareness seemed to return to his eyes. "I'm—I'm sorry," he stammered, visibly fighting for control. "Blood—I can't—" He cut himself off, clearly embarrassed but still trembling.

The strong, composed man I'd come to know had vanished, replaced by someone struggling with what appeared to be a serious trauma response. I guided him to sit in another chair,

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