Recovery II

Elina took another deep breath, set her shoulders and drew on every ounce of courage she had.

“Baby,” she greeted softly.

“I know you’re locked away from us, somewhere safe. Somewhere monsters can’t get to you. I know, because I’ve gone there a time or two myself. It’s all right to go there; we all need that respite once in a while. It isn’t cowardice, it’s self-preservation. Just know, you can’t stay there.”

She stroked caresses down Amelia’s arm. “I know, Amelia. Darkness’s horrible creatures surrounded me and held me down. They ripped my clothes off. Some of them licked me with their tongues. Their tongues were black and bumpy with parasites wiggling on them. When they touched my skin I felt filthy.”

She watched Amelia closely. The body never moved. Her skin was cool to the touch.

Had those lashes fluttered, or had Elina just wanted them to do so? Could she do this again? Relive it all for Amelia?

She had to, because it was what Amelia was escaping – what she couldn’t face – an