93

CHAPTER 93

ANNA'S POV

Noah called me to tell me about re-employment of Matteo, he says it's for my safety and for him to be less worried about me. I told him about my journal writing and my visit to the therapist, we talked for a bit before I left my room, kissed mom goodbye and left for my therapist appointment, mom wanted to go with me, but I assured that I was going to be safe, and Matteo will meet me there like Noah requested.

I sat nervously in the waiting room, my fingers tracing the edges of my seat that I was sitting in. This was my second visit to Dr Williams, and although my first visit went well, I still felt vulnerable sitting and opening up, I'm in front of a complete stranger. The journal was a storage for my dreams and fragmented memories, it felt like a burden and a lifeline to me at the same time.

Dr Williams' door opened, and she stepped out with her warm and welcoming smile, “Anna, come on in.”

I stood almost immediately, holding my bag and I followed Dr Williams into the office. The room was warm and cozy, with soft lighting, warm tones and comfortable furniture. I took my usual seat, and Dr Williams settled into the chair opposite me.

“How have you been since our last session?” Dr Williams asked her voice soft and reassuring.

I took a deep breath and I touched my bag, “I've been….. well. I've been writing a lot lately in my journal.

Dr Williams nodded understandingly, “Good. Did you bring it with you today?”

I went through my bag, and I brought out my journal and placed it on the table before us. “Yes, I did. I wrote down some dreams and a few memories that have been reoccurring to me.”

Dr Williams leaned forward towards me, “Would you like to share some of them with me?”

I opened the journal to a page, And I told her about my dreams about a place, me breaking out in sweats after such dreams.

Dr Williams listened intently, her expression thoughtful. “How do you feel in the dreams?”

I paused for a bit, considering the question. “Scared, really scared but determined. it's like these people I know and they hold a secret that I want to find out.”

Dr Williams nodded slowly, “Dreams are a reflection of our subconscious thoughts and fears. all these could have other meanings, and we'll get into it gradually so as not to overwhelm you.”

I bit my lips nervously, “That makes sense. I've been thinking alot about these dreams lately, and nothing comes up. It's all blurred. I can't remember much about it, just bits and pieces.”

Dr Williams leaned back into her seat, “Anna, we'll take this a step at a time, and in no time all these will make sense, just let me help you.”

I nodded in agreement to what she said, my eyes misty at this point, “I've been trying so hard to remember, but it's as if my mind is blocking it out.”

Dr Williams offered me a tissue box, while giving me a compassionate look, “Our minds can protect us from painful memories by suppressing them, but those memories have a way of coming to the surface. it's important to approach them gently and with support, that's why I'm here.”

I wiped my eyes with the tissue and I took a deep breath, “I just want to understand why I feel this way. Why am I always scared and anxious.”

Dr Williams smiled softly. “Understanding takes time and patience, Anna. you're already working towards that with writing in your journal. We'll work through these memories together, piece by piece.”

I felt a glimmer of hope.i looked down at my journal, then back at Dr Williams. “Thanks for listening and helping me make sense of all these.”

Dr Williams reached out and touched my hand gently. “You're not alone on this journey. We'll unravel it together one step at a time.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. As we continued to talk, I felt lighter speaking with her. I felt like I was ready to face whatever my lost memories might hold or I might see.

I finished with Dr Williams, and I was walking out of the clinic when I got a text from Matteo, telling me he'll meet with me at the clinic. I walked down the street after having a quick bite from a pastry shop near the clinic. I was walking to wait for Matteo near the pavement, when I felt someone following me. The person following me quickened his steps, my heart was beating fast.

Just a few more steps, I thought to myself, my eyes looking around for any signs of Matteo. I was walking faster, the footsteps behind me faster as well. I felt a cold hand grip my shoulders, and spun me around, my eyes widening in fear.

“Hey, there you're coming with me.” The man sneered, tightening his grip on shoulders.

I struggled trying to break free, but his grip. was too strong. Panic filled me, and I opened my mouth to scream for help.

“Get your hands off her, you Stronzo!” a deep authoritative voice commanded from behind.

The man turned, only to be met with a powerful punch to his face. He staggered releasing me from his strong grip, I stumbled but managed to stay on my feet. Matteo stood there, his eyes filled with anger, his stance protective.

“Matteo!” I gasped with relief washing over me.

“Are you okay?” Matteo asked me, his gaze never leaving the attacker, who was now on the floor in obvious pain.

I nodded, my voice trembling. “I….. I'm okay.”

The man attempted to rise, but Matteo was on him in an instant, delivering another punch that rendered him unconscious. He turned to me and his expression softened.

“I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner,” Matteo said, his voice low and filled with regret. “I should've been watching more closely.”

I shook my head, “No, nonsense you saved my ass, here thank you so much.” I told him my eyes were misty.

“It's my job to protect you, Anna. I will never let anything happen to you.”

I managed a shaky smile, grateful for his presence. “I know. I just…. I was so scared.”

Matteo nodded, his jaw clenching. “Let's get you home. You shouldn't be out here alone.”

He placed a reassuring hand on my back, and led me to his car, parked just right at the corner. As we walked towards his car I held his hand tightly, my heart rate slowly calming.

“How did you find me?” I asked him.

“The boss told me, so I tracked you to this place,” he said with a straight face. “I saw him following you, and I knew he was no good. I got here as fast as I could.”

“Thank you Matteo, what will I do without you.” I said to him,

He gave me a reassuring stiff smile. “You'll never have to find out, try to relax, you're safe now.”

We reached the car, and Matteo opened the door for me. Once I was safe inside I took a deep breath, as he walked to the driver's side and got in. He strayed the engine and we were on our way.”

I felt better when we started moving, and I leaned back into the seat and closed my eyes. I got home and I waved Matteo goodbye. I didn't tell my parents what happened to me, because I didn't want to make them worried about me. But I got a call from an angry and pissed Noah.