Away to love

Chapter 5 Scene 3

One afternoon, as Nina and her mother walked through the park, her mother turned to her with a thoughtful expression. " Nina, I’ve been thinking. You have such a talent for art, and it seems to be a big part of your healing process. Have you ever considered sharing your work with others? "

Nina looked at her mother, surprised. "You mean, like an exhibition?"

"Yes," her mother replied, smiling. " There’s a local gallery that features emerging artists. I think your story and your art could inspire others who are going through similar struggles. "

The idea of sharing her work and her story with others was both exciting and terrifying. But Nina knew that it could be a powerful way to raise awareness about domestic abuse and to help others find hope and healing. "I think I’d like that," she said, feeling a spark of excitement.

Over the next few months, Nina worked tirelessly to prepare for her solo exhibition in her father’s garage. She poured her heart and soul into each painting, using her art to convey the emotions and experiences she had lived through. Her parents were by her side every step of the way, helping with the logistics and offering moral support.

The night of the exhibition, the garage was filled with people—friends, family, and members of the community. Nina stood nervously at the entrance, her heart pounding. Her parents stood beside her, their presence a comforting anchor.

"You’re going to do great, Nina," her father said, giving her a reassuring smile.

As the evening progressed, Nina watched as people admired her singing and her work, their faces reflecting a range of emotions. Many approached her to share their own stories or to express their admiration for her courage. It was a deeply moving experience, and Nina felt a sense of connection and validation that she had never felt before.

One woman, with tears in her eyes, approached Nina and took her hand. "Thank you for sharing your story," she said. "It’s given me the strength to leave my own abusive relationship."

Nina’s heart swelled with emotion. This was why she had chosen to share her songs and her art—to make a difference, to help others find their way out of the darkness. "I’m so glad," she said, squeezing the woman’s hand. "You deserve to be safe and happy."

As the evening came to a close, Nina stood with her parents, looking around the gallery. The event had been a success, but more importantly, it had been a step towards healing and empowerment for both her and those who had been touched by her story.

Her mother hugged her tightly. " We’re so proud of you, Nina. You’ve come so far. "

Nina smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment and hope. " I couldn’t have done it without you and Dad. Thank you for always being there for me. "

Her father placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes filled with pride. " We’ll always be here for you, Nina. We’re a family, and we’ll face whatever comes next together. "

As they left the gallery, Nina felt a sense of peace and contentment. She had taken control of her life, faced her past, and found the strength to move forward. With her parents by her side and a renewed sense of purpose, she was ready to embrace whatever the future might hold.

In the months that followed, Nina continued to work on singing, her art and her healing journey. She became involved in local support groups for survivors of domestic abuse, using her experiences to help others find their own paths to recovery. Her paintings became a symbol of hope and resilience, and she found joy in using her talent to make a difference.

Her relationship with her parents grew stronger, their bond deepened by the trials they had faced together. They celebrated each milestone, no matter how small, and cherished the moments of joy and connection that had been so hard-won.

One sunny afternoon, as Nina and her parents enjoyed a picnic in the park, she looked around at the familiar faces of those who had stood by her through the darkest times. She felt a profound sense of gratitude and love. Her journey had been difficult, but it had led her back to where she belonged—home.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, Nina leaned back on the blanket, feeling a sense of peace. She knew that the road ahead would still have its challenges, but with the support of her family and the strength she had found within herself, she was ready to face whatever came next.

Nina’s story was one of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of love and family. She had come home, not just to the house where she had grown up, but to a place of healing and hope. And with each new day, she embraced the future with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit unbroken.

Her parents watched her with pride and love, knowing that their daughter had found her way back to herself. They had weathered the storm together, and now, as they looked towards the horizon, they saw a future filled with promise and endless possibilities.

And so, with the support of her family and the strength of her spirit, Nina stepped into the future, ready to embrace whatever it might bring. She had found her way home, and with each new day, she discovered more about the depth of her resilience and the power of love and healing. She wished she could come to live in the country. She wished she could make money from what she was doing. All those were wishes she still had to go and face life in New York City.

CHAPTER 6

The days turned into weeks, and slowly, Nina began to find her footing again. Her parents' strong support was a balm to her wounded soul, giving her the time and space she needed to heal. They created a safe place of love and understanding around her, allowing her to gradually open up about the horrors she had endured.

One warm afternoon, the scent of blooming flowers enveloped Nina and her mother as they sat in the backyard. The gentle breeze played with Nina's hair, and she took a deep breath, steeling herself to finally share her story.

"Mom," Nina began, her voice trembling slightly. " It started off so well with Josh. He was charming and sweet, just like in high school. There was one night he hit me. He dragged me to the pool and disgraced me in front of all his friends. Our nanny just sat there and allowed him to do his thing. He really embarrassed me. But he came to apologize later, and as stupid as I am, I always forgave him. ”

Her mother's eyes filled with concern as she listened intently, a mixture of emotions flickering across her face.

"He became controlling," Nina continued, her voice gaining strength. " He even told me one day that I was just a filler. He also told me that he never had plans to marry me, and I was very stupid and called me all sorts of names. I am so ashamed. ”

Her mother gasped, a hand flying to her mouth in shock. Tears welled up in her eyes, reflecting the pain and anguish she felt for her daughter.

"I was so confused, Mom," Sarah confessed, her voice breaking with the weight of her memories. " I didn’t know how to leave. I kept hoping he would change, that the man I fell in love with would come back. But he didn’t. And I was too ashamed to come back home and admit that I had been wrong. My friends there were far away from me, and he never wanted me to have friends. They did not know where to start from. ”

Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her daughter close as if to shield her from the past. " You're loved, Nina," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. " I swear to God I will deal with him. I know he has money and power, but I will deal with him. I will show him never to deal with God’s children. ”

Nina clung to her mother, the floodgates of her emotions finally opening. She let out the sobs she had been holding back for so long, the pain of her ordeal pouring out like torrential rain after a long drought. Her mother held her through it all, offering silent comfort and unconditional love.

In the days that followed, Nina focused on rebuilding her shattered life piece by piece. She reconnected with old friends who welcomed her back with open arms and tearful embraces. Their unwavering support reminded her that she was not alone in her journey towards healing.

One of her closest friends, Johnette, invited her for a girls' night out—a simple gesture that meant the world to Nina. They met at a cozy café in town, the familiar taste of their croissants and the aroma of freshly made lemonade enveloping them like a warm blanket.

"Nina!" Johnette exclaimed, rushing over to hug her friend tightly. " I've missed you so much. How are you holding up? "

Nina returned the hug, feeling a rush of gratitude for Johnette's steadfast friendship. "It's been tough," she admitted with a weary smile. "But being back home with my parents and seeing you again…it's giving me hope."

Over cups of fresh lemonade, Nina shared fragments of her harrowing journey with Johnette. She spoke of the fear that gripped her heart each time Josh’s temper flared, the sleepless nights spent wondering if she would ever escape the nightmare. Johnette listened with a mixture of horror and empathy, her hand squeezing Nina’s in silent support.