Chapter 37
Zachariah
Pulling up into the makeshift parking space, I glanced over at Avidya, watching her expression. It turned from one of question to one of amazement. I knew this place would be one of the best places to take her first. Not only would it test one or two of her new-found limits, but also a place that she’d enjoy to make it easier on her.
I didn’t want to push her too hard after her having a panic attack, but for her to be ready for what was to come, she needed a bit of a push.
This piece of land wasn’t all that far from my house, and the age was clearly seen on the lone makeshift playhouse with a swing attached off to the side. The house that once sat on this land was long gone due to lack of upkeep.
The playhouse used to be painted a dark blue, with a window on each side and a tin roof. Growing up as a child it easily fit me and my brother inside, plus a friend or two. It was where I went to hide more often than anywhere else when my parents had company over.
The little awning had two chains that once held a yellow seat for the swing. A cute little place for kids. The grass was more weeds and colorful wildflowers now, but I could still picture how the building had once looked as laughter had once rung out around here.
“I used to live here,” I stated in explanation as I helped Avidya out of the car. “The house was taken down years ago, but the playhouse was left, even though it had certainly seen better days too.”
“I bet it was cute,” Avidya said, a shy smile on her face.
“It was. Mom had painted it and made sure it was kept standing,” I said with a fond smile myself. “Melio and I used to spend hours out here playing, rain or shine.”
I watched as she took in the playhouse with a new look. I could see her mind start wandering with possibilities. Possibilities that she wisely kept to herself. My mom often commented that she’d fix it up again, or come up with a new idea closer to the house if I ever had grandchildren. Children were not in my future, ever. I’d make sure of it.
There was a reason why I wanted Avidya to stay on the depo shot after I found out that she had been given her first dose the night she was brought to me. Of course, she still had another month to go before she needed another depo shot.
“The reason I brought you here was to work on one of the trust scenes. Your panic attack earlier today showed me that only way you will fully trust me is if you can see that you can.”
I paused, watching her reactions. Her eyes lit up a bit, her attention fully on me.
“I won’t push you too hard, not this time,” I went on. “Do you remember the safe words?”
“Yes,” she answered easily. “Red, yellow, and green.”
“Very good,” I praised, seeing instantly how my praise made her shoulders shift back a little.
“I want you to stand, and close your eyes. I want you to concentrate on your senses, one at a time. I’ll ask you to tell me what you feel, hear and smell,” I explained.
“Okay,” she said.
“I will walk around, but I won’t be going very far. You’ll have to talk loud enough that I can hear you from here, to at least the play house,” I said.
“Alright,” she said with a nod, ready to begin.
After she took a deep breath, she closed her eyes and I took a few steps away from her. Our entire relationship would be on our trust for one another, and this was one of the best places to begin at.
“What do you hear?” I asked her, taking a few more steps away from her, trying to step as lightly as possible.
“Birds chirping,” she said instantly. “The hum of the cars on the road.”
“Anything else?” I asked.
“Frogs,” she said after a moment.
“Good. Color?” I asked as I began to walk around her so I was in front of her.
“Green,” she answered instantly.
“Green, what?” I asked out.
“Green, sir,” she instantly replied, a small smile crossing her lips.
