Away to love

Chapter 5

After dinner, Nina and her mother cleared the table while her father settled into his favorite armchair with a book. As they worked side by side in the kitchen, her mother turned to her with a thoughtful expression.

" Nina, I want you to know that we’re here for you, no matter what. You don’t have to go through this alone. "

Nina’s eyes filled with gratitude. " Thank you, Mom. I don’t know what I would do without you and Dad. "

"We’re a family," her mother said simply, pulling her into a hug. "And families stick together."

As Nina lay in bed that night, she reflected in the evening's events. She had taken the first step towards healing, and while the road ahead would be long and challenging, she knew she had the support of her parents to guide her.

The next morning, Nina woke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. The sun came in, casting a warm glow over her room. She felt a sense of determination building within her. Today, she will take another step towards reclaiming her life.

After breakfast, Nina decided to venture into the old storeroom, where she had copies of her lyrics written, a place she hadn’t visited in years. The old wooden door creaked as she opened it, and the air was thick with the scent of dust and memories. Boxes and old furniture were scattered about, remnants of her childhood and her parents' past. She went through the boxes, searching for her old lyric books.

Finally, she found it—a large, dusty box labeled "Nina’s songs." She opened it, her heart racing with anticipation. Inside were her lyrics, violin parts, and a set of lyric books that she had cherished. She picked up one of the sketchbooks, flipping through the pages. Each drawing brought back memories of a time when she had felt free and alive.

She kept those aside and saw Sweden's painted equipment. Sweden loved to paint. With a newfound sense of purpose, Nina carried the box downstairs and set up a small art station in the sunroom, a place filled with natural light and a view of the garden. She spent the day organizing her supplies and preparing to paint. As she dipped her brush into the vibrant colors, she felt a spark of joy ignite within her. The act of creating something beautiful was healing in itself.

Her mother watched from the doorway, a proud smile on her face. "It’s good to see you happy again, Nina," she said softly. "You have such a gift." " Thanks, Mom, " Nina replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "It feels good to be doing this again."

As the days turned into weeks, Nina’s routine began to take shape. She painted and sang every day, finding solace in her voice, and the colors and shapes she brought to life on the canvas. Her parents continued to be a constant source of support, offering encouragement and understanding.

One afternoon, as she sat with her mother in the garden, Nina finally felt ready to share more of her story. The garden was a place of peace and beauty, filled with blooming flowers and the gentle hum of bees. It was the perfect setting for the difficult conversation that lay ahead.

"Mom," she began, her voice hesitant. "There’s more I need to tell you about what happened with Josh."

Her mother looked at her with a mixture of concern and patience. " Take your time, sweetheart. I’m here to listen."

Nina took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. " It started off so well with Josh. He was charming and sweet, just like in high school. But after we got married, things changed. He became controlling, and it happened so gradually that I didn’t even realize it at first. At first, it was little things—wanting to know where I was all the time, who I was with. But then it got worse. He started accusing me of things I didn’t do, and he got angry over the smallest things. And then… then he started hitting me. He really hated me. All along I did not know I was living in a house with my enemy. ”

Her mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she reached out to hold Nina's hand. "Oh, Nina," she whispered, her voice choking with emotion. "I had no idea it was this bad."

"I was so scared, Mom," Nina said, her voice breaking. " I didn’t know how to leave. I thought he might change, but he didn’t. And I was too ashamed to come back and admit that I had been wrong. "

Her mother wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. " You’re so brave, Nina. It takes a lot of courage to leave an abusive relationship. We’re so proud of you for finding the strength to come home. "

Nina clung to her mother, feeling the weight of her past lifting slightly with each tear that fell. It was a cathartic moment, the first step towards healing the deep emotional wounds she carried.

In the weeks that followed, Nina continued to open up to her parents about her experiences. Each conversation was a painful but necessary step towards reclaiming her life. Her parents were strong in their support, providing a safe space for her to express her feelings and fears.

One evening, as they sat together in the living room, her father spoke up. " Nina, your mother and I have been talking, and we think it might be a good idea for you to see a therapist. Someone who can help you work through everything you’ve been through. "

Nina hesitated, the idea of talking to a stranger about her deepest pain was not encouraging. But she knew her parents were right. She needed professional help to fully heal. "I think you’re right," she said quietly. "I’ll do it."

Her father reached out and took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. " We’ll support you every step of the way.

“Nina. You’re not alone in this. "

The next day, Nina made an appointment with a therapist who specialized in trauma and abuse. The first session was nerve-wracking, but the therapist’s gentle demeanor and empathetic approach put her at ease. As Nina began to share her story, she felt a sense of relief. Talking about her experiences in a safe, non-judgmental environment was a crucial part of her healing process.

With each session, Nina gained new insights into her past and her emotional responses. She learned to recognize the patterns of abuse and the ways in which Josh had manipulated and controlled her. Through therapy, she began to rebuild her self-esteem and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

At home, her parents continued to be a pillar of support. They celebrated her small victories, like completing a difficult therapy session or finishing a new painting. Their unwavering love and encouragement gave Nina the strength to keep moving forward.