Dom's Absolution

Ch. 62 - Taking Time To Heal

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"So, how have you been,
besides horny?"

- Quintin
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Chapter 62 - Taking Time To Heal

▪️J A D E▪️

It would be another couple of days before I would be allowed to leave the hospital again.

The condominium was heavily guarded and it was there I returned to continue my rehabilitation. The nurses rotated in twelve hour shifts so that I always had round-the-clock medical care.

Not to mention Quintin and Jee-min had moved into the condo as they provided extra security.

During the first two weeks, I had quickly re-established a routine and now, after spending five months at the condo, I had regained almost all of my strength.

After the first nine weeks, I had slowly started back training with Jee-min. Nothing too serious, but the extra physical activity had definitely helped speed along my recovery and gave my confidence a little boost.

As I got stronger, coupled with the continuous exposure to familiar faces, Blaire's absence really began to sink in.

Upon visiting her grave for the first time, I felt as though I were dreaming. Even though in my mind I knew that she was gone, seeing her name carved elegantly into the marble headstone forced me to my knees. I did not think that I had ever cried so hard in my entire life, my arms gripped the cold marble while my tears stained the gravestone.

Dominic had knelt beside me in silence, a comforting hand against my back as he let me cry my eyes out.

I had to admit, as my body healed and I slowly began to reintegrate into the life I had left behind, it was sometimes hard for me to focus on simple everyday tasks.

Blaire's absence from my life left a larger void than I cared to openly admit. I did not even want to celebrate my twenty-second birthday and it was the first time in years that I did not have a party. It was just too soon and I was thankful that everyone around me was understanding enough about it.

No longer would my phone light up continuously throughout the day and night with Blaire's silly text messages. Even though I was taking my medication, my mind would still attack me in rare moments.

Sometimes I would hear Blaire's voice calling out to me, other times I could have sworn that I heard her giggles echo from down the hallway.

There were nights when my nightmares were so bad that I would wake up screaming, unconsciously lashing out at anyone near me. Taking Dominic's advice, I spoke to my therapist about it and was put on some new temporary medication.

It would take time, but with the love and support of those around me, I would heal and this would just be another mental scar to add to my collection.

Taking each day at a time, I did my best not to let my guilt suffocate me.

I found myself touching her charm many times during the day and I knew that Blaire would not want me to spiral into madness. Even though my therapist told me that it was not possible, I was adamant that I could still hear Blaire speaking to me sometimes.

I heard her joyful voice cheering me on, encouraging me to move on with my life.

With a solid promise to myself and to her, I would take my time to heal. Even though my mind would take longer to do so than my body, I promised to embrace each new day as it came, while keeping Blaire's memory alive within me.