Chapter 122
“So you’re feeling more confident now?”
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Sarah nodded, “The biggest obstacle between therapists and patients isn’t usually the trigger or form of their episodes – It’s trust. If a patient can trust their doctor completely and unconditionally, progress happens much faster. And I can see it now – she trusts me, depends on me even.”
“She can be childlike sometimes, but she’s very sensitive to people’s energy. She can feel that you’re good to her.”
“No, it’s more than that,” Sarah’s expression turned serious. “I can tell that our brief time together isn’t enough to build this level of trust. There must be another reason I just don’t know what it is yet.”
Zachary’s hand trembled slightly, though his face remained neutral. “I trust you, Sasa.”
“By the way, what are you going to do about Lucy?”
“I’ve handed everything to the police – all the witness statements, physical evidence, and video footage. The school will handle
the rest. James has been trying to pull strings, but no one dares to help him.”
He said this matter–of–factly, as if it were perfectly natural that no one would dare interfere.
Sarah nodded, certainly not feeling generous enough to plead Lucy’s case.
“I don’t think James will give up easily. He’ll try to contact you again.” Zachary’s expression turned cold.
Sarah’s eyes flashed with irritation. She despised James, truly loathed him. “I’ve already told him this isn’t up to me.”
“Let’s see if he gets the message.” Zachary’s eyes hardened.
“Whatever. I’m going to rest – you should too.” Sarah picked up her glass and started toward the stairs.
Seeing her limping, Zachary moved to help her. “Let me help you up.”
“No!” Sarah jerked away, nearly dropping her glass.
Their eyes met briefly before both looked away awkwardly.
Sarah hurried back to her room, shutting the door firmly. She was breathing heavily.
She couldn’t explain the feeling when Zachary touched her, her heart had trembled.
She’d instinctively wanted to escape, her cheeks burning red.
Left in the living room, Zachary’s eyes dimmed for a moment before looking back at her door with intense longing.
Finally, he sighed and walked away.
The next morning, Sarah woke to find Mia huddled in the corner of the bed, wrapped in blankets and shaking, looking around
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fearfully.
She called out tentatively, “Mia?”
Mia put her finger to her lips. “Shh!”
She looked around carefully before whispering, “Sarah, don’t talk too loud. They’ll find us.”
“Mia, who are ‘they‘?” she asked softly.
Mia suddenly covered her ears. “I don’t know! They’ll kill us!”
Sarah went over and grabbed Mia’s arms gently. “Mia, this is my home. We’re safe here.”
“But!” Tears spilled from her eyes as she pointed at Sarah’s swollen leg. “But Sarah, your leg is hurt!”
“It’s just a burn, Mia. It’ll heal soon,” Sarah said soothingly.
Mia nodded. “You’re right, Sarah. Zach will come save us. I’ll be good.”
Then she buried herself under the blankets, pretending to be asleep.
