Floating ||Edmund Pevensie FanFiction||

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Aunt Jill was typically reticent in disclosing her thoughts, but within the four walls that created a safe space, she slowly translated her thoughts. "Quite relieved, actually, it's been lonely without her presence, I realise I'd never really shown my appreciation for her in my life."

Charlotte lit up at her aunt's disclosure, a surprising turn of events. Ms Prewett picked up on her features, immediately noting it verbally. "You seem over the moon, Charlotte."

"I—Well..." Charlotte was stunned by her explicit observation. "I didn't think she ever thought that. All along, I've felt rather invisible and misunderstood."

At her disclosure, Aunt Jill's features were crestfallen, as her lips sunken. She had been avoiding communication with Charlotte for so long, that she hadn't once realised how she made the girl feel.

"And why's that, Charlotte? Maybe you'd like to share your reasons with your aunt."

Charlotte adhered to her advice, angling her body such that she was facing her guardian. "I suppose escaping to Narnia was the only thing I held on to after Mom and Dad left us, sort of a way to remember them. But I was always discouraged from doing so. I've just been there for the last time..."

Her guardian's expression shifted instantly at her last sentence, conveying sentiment.

"But I've learnt to let go of it... And, I'm ready to grow up."

Hearing Charlotte's words was a painful pill to swallow, rendering Aunt Jill vulnerable towards admitting her mistakes. Charlotte, after all, had only been a child coping with her loss. It only made sense that she would hold on to Narnia and their memories all those years. She, on the other hand, had been eschewing her memories, suppressing them as deeply as she could in her mind. As it turned out, even adults like her struggled with navigating through the hardships of life.

"I had different experiences, see," she reflected, only to turn towards the therapist with a forlorn gaze, "I faltered in my last adventure at this place, one that drove me and my sister apart."

Charlotte placed her hand over Aunt Jill's, gently patting it. Ms Prewett pondered over her words, watching the pair's shifting dynamic.

They both treaded through the waters cautiously, exploring the sea of memories ahead. Jill, perhaps, had not been out at sea for long, and feared drowning, whereas Charlotte had been out at sea for so long that she had mastered floating. Together, with Charlotte holding her hand, they met at the shoreline, considerate of each other's perspectives.

"This is surprising," Ms Prewett prompted gently, noting her observations. "Charlotte seems to be offering support to you."

"It really ought to be the other way around," Aunt Jill refuted promptly, "I ought to 'ave been a proper caregiver. It's occurred to me how detrimental my approach in raising Charlotte has been. How foolish... I've greatly disappointed her parents."

"I can see that you're hurting," Ms Prewett empathised, placing a hand over her chest, "they're gone forever, and all the more you'd feel regret towards your relationship with them, and it's come to your attention that it's been affecting your relationship with your niece."

Aunt Jill nodded, as her lips quivered slightly, holding her smile as durably as possible. Then, like a dam breaking, the lady's eyes flooded with a river of tears. Her hands flew to her face, shielding her sobs from their view. A stunned Charlotte sat in silence, as they observed the lady weep in ignominy.