Open Case File [COMPLETED]

Aftermath (Part 4)

"We're almost at the end two weeks since she's been out of the hospital but she's not said a word," he said. He ran a hand down his face, feeling the stubble rough on his chin. "She wakes up screaming and I hold her until she falls back asleep."

Carter's father gave a pained sigh. "I know we decided that just letting her heal and giving her space was best, but I think it's time to have her talk about it."

Nodding, Donovan looked to the bedroom door. "I think we need to."

"Do you want me to come over?"

Donovan thought about it. Behind him, the rich scent of coffee permeated the air. He rose from the counter.

"No, I think it's best if I try to get her to talk alone. If I need you, I'll call."

"I'm here for whatever you need, don't hesitate."

"I won't, thank you."

They exchanged goodbyes and Donovan hung up. For a long while he stared at the counter, his shoulders hunched. Fighting off a wave of grief, he moved around the kitchen making breakfast. Once finished, he carried everything back into the bedroom on a tray. Carter hadn't moved. When he set everything down, she finally managed to look at him. There was a lost look in her eyes that was now constant.

As she sat up, Donovan placed pillows behind her. When he gave her a plate of food, she took it but it was his encouragement to eat that made her actually take bites. Her movements were wooden like she wasn't truly aware of what she was doing. Donovan forced his own food into his mouth, knowing that he needed the energy to take care of her, but felt as if his stomach were a twisted coil.

After Carter ate all that she was going to, Donovan set the tray on the ground. For a moment, he stared at her, trying to find the woman that he knew so well. But there was a cloud in her eyes that kept her from him. He edged closer to her.

"Carter...I think it's time you talked about what happened. I know it's hard but-"

The rest of the words were stolen from him as her mouth crashed into his. Her fingers dug into his hair, keeping him locked in her embrace. Donovan knew she was doing it to avoid talking, but he ached so much to be close to her again, to connect that he kissed her back and gathered her into his arms.

************

Afterwards, Carter laid curled next to Donovan, her head resting on his chest. When he glanced down, he found her eyes closed, finding solace in sleep again. He watched her, the way her eyelids fluttered, the tension gone from her face.

The minutes stretched on and Donovan felt like for a moment he could believe she was returning to her old self, but then she gripped his arm as the dream took a dark turn and he tightened his hold on her. The disturbance passed and she relaxed against him again.

Though he wanted to let her sleep, he knew that the prolonged form of escape would only hurt her.

"Carter," he said.

As if she knew what he wanted from her, she twisted away and hide in the blankets. With a weary breath, Donovan swung his legs off the bed and buried his head in his hands. He twisted back, looking at the small mass that was his wife. His heart throbbed with the chasm stretching between them.

Deciding to let her sleep, he showered and dressed. With one final look at her, he took his phone and stepped out of the apartment. Finding solitude in the stairwell, he sank down and made a call.

"Mom?" he said.

"Hey, sweetheart. How is she?"

Donovan dropped his face to his hand. For the first time in his twenty-eight years of life, he was completely helpless. His wife was drifting away from him and he felt powerless to bring her back. He couldn't bear her pain for her and it was the only thing she was keeping to herself. She was trapped in her mind and it was no longer a place where he was welcome. Where once her thoughts had been open to him, was now closed, barring him.