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“Woman Matters is a wonderful charity that helps women all over the States. We’re working on setting up a shelter here, but like everything, it costs money and time. However, I am here to help.”
“No cost is too high, Doctor. I’ll pay anything if you can help her.”
She reaches over and takes my hand in hers. Her warm hand reiterates what she’s saying. I don’t know her, but I feel like I can trust her.
“Can I see her?”
“Yes. Of course.” I stand up and point to where I’m walking.
I knock on Kally’s door, and when I get no response, I push through. The room is still as I left it. I lean over the nightstand and turn on the lamp. The soft glow illuminates the frail girl, the love of my life, lying with her eyes open.
I kneel on the floor and rub stray tears away from Kally’s face. “Kally, I’ve got a doctor here to see you, sweetheart. Her name is Gail. She’s going to help you.”
Nothing. No sign that she heard me. Gail puts her hand on my shoulder. “Clark, can I have five minutes with Kally, please? I’ll come out and get you when we’re ready.”
I look over Kally again to see that she’s okay with that, but I get nothing other than another stray tear. I know I need to trust Gail. I need to do as she asks because I’m out of my depth here. I lean in and kiss Kally’s head, then leave her room without a backward glance. I close the door and let it hold my frame.
“Are you okay?” asks Caleb as he approaches me from the kitchen with Damien.
I shake my head.
“You’ve done the right thing, bro. Come and get something to eat while the doctor sets out a plan to help Kally.”
I run my hands over my face, walk over to the breakfast bar, and sit down. Nancy pours me some coffee and puts some food down in front of me. I can’t even force myself to eat. I feel sick.
“She’ll be okay,” says Nancy.
“Will she?” Right now, it’s hard to see a future. “I really hope you’re right, Nancy.”
Caleb pulls out a stool and sits down beside me. “When you’re ready, ask me to point you in the direction of my and Clay’s partners’ stories. I’ve given you snippets, but it’s not the full thing. I’ll do a video call with them to let you see them now. I promise you that with the right help and care, miracles do happen. All you can do is to be strong for Kally. Give her this time she needs to heal. It’s hard, I get it. Time stands still. But you have family around you to lean on. Let them help you.”
Caleb pats my shoulder and leaves me sitting at my breakfast bar with my head in my hands. I wish I had all the answers, but I don’t. I have to be patient and allow everything to work itself out. I’ve learnt that I can’t fix everything on my own.
We must get through this. We haven’t struggled for years to have nothing to show for it now.
Chapter 17
Kally
All I can do when Clark walks away from me is cry. That’s all I’ve done lately. I’ve gotten away from one hell hole, but I’ve found myself stuck in an emotional abyss. I can’t help but think I was put on this Earth to suffer. Every waking minute feels like I’m living through a nightmare, but this is my reality.
“Hi, Kally. My name is Gail Bellingham. I’m wondering if you’d like to talk to me for a little while?”
I don’t say anything. I’m terrified to open my mouth because I’m afraid of what I might say. I don’t want anyone to look at me differently when they realize what I’ve been through. The hurt and pain. The grief. I feel like a broken doll.
“Would you like to tell me how you’re feeling, Kally?”
I look over at the doctor sitting on a chair by my bedside. She looks middle-aged, kind, caring, compassionate. I just have to bite the bullet and let it all out.
“I don’t know anymore.”
“That’s a good start. I can help you figure out where you’re at, what you need help with, and plan forward.”
“My life feels like an existence,” I blurt out, and Gail pauses at getting her book out.
“Have you had suicidal thoughts, Kally?”
I concentrate on the wall beside Gail. I don’t want to see the look on her face. What I don’t see won’t hurt me.
