Page 63 of Outrun The Devil
Yet, amid her struggles, there were glimmers of hope. The support from her colleagues, friends, and family was a beacon of light in her darkest moments. Their unwavering belief in her reminded Olivia that she was not alone in her journey to recovery.
As the physical therapy sessions progressed, Olivia began to see small victories. Each step forward, no matter how small, was a triumph over the pain and the doubts that haunted her.
But they still haunted her.
Eager to escape the hospital walls, she was released at long last and took a deep breath of air as the sliding doors opened. But while this meant freedom from her confinement, it didn't shake that feeling that created the hair on the back of her neck to stand up.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Olivia stood in the doorway to Dr. Monroe's office with her keys clutched tightly in her hand. She lifted one foot, then the other, and shuffled haltingly into the bright, softly lit room. Wiping her sweaty palms on the thighs of her jeans, she made slow progress toward the waiting doctor.
Dr. Monroe sat in her usual armchair, a serene presence amidst the room's soft lighting and calming decor. Her warm smile greeted Olivia, inviting her to take a seat on the adjacent couch. A cushion's thickness away from the comfort of home but far from where she wanted to be, Olivia sank into the plush cushions, her body tense with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability.
“And how are you doing, Olivia?” Dr. Monroe asked softly, her gaze flitting around the room carefully as if she was searching for the right words to say.
Olivia looked up, the uncertainty lining her voice as she replied, “I-I’m trying…trying to just go back to normal. I’ve healed physically but mentally…it’s been a constant struggle.” Her words trailed off into a whisper as she cast her gaze downwards.
Dr. Monroe leaned forward in her brown leather chair and nodded, her face warm with empathy. She knew the struggles Olivia was facing--both at work and in her personal life. “Are you able to tell me more about how these events have impacted you?”
Olivia kept her gaze on a framed photo of Dr. Monroe's family perched atop her desk, her mind filled with the specter of painful memories. Her words were barely audible when she spoke next. “It's difficult,” she said, her voice trembling as she fought back tears. “I can't stop replaying it all in my head, trying to find something I missed or could have done differently. I feel like I'm being crushed by the doubts, guilt, and regret.”
Dr. Monroe leaned forward slightly, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of Olivia's emotions. “It's normal to have these thoughts, Olivia. But remember, you were up against an unpredictable and dangerous adversary. You did what you could with the information and resources you had.”
Olivia's shoulders slumped, a mixture of relief and frustration washing over her. She had always been her harshest critic, burdened by the weight of responsibility. “I know, logically. But it's hard to silence that voice in my head that keeps second-guessing every decision.”
Dr. Monroe offered a compassionate smile. “Acknowledging those doubts is the first step. We can work together to help you process and make sense of the events that unfolded. It's important to give yourself the space to heal and rebuild your strength.”
A flicker of determination ignited in Olivia's eyes. She knew that reclaiming her mental well-being was crucial not just for herself but also for those who depended on her. “I want to get back to work,” she confessed, her voice tinged with both trepidation and resolve. “But I don't want to carry this weight with me. I need to find a way to move forward.”
Dr. Monroe nodded, her unwavering support evident. “We will navigate this journey together, Olivia. We'll explore coping mechanisms, resilience-building strategies, and ways to integrate your experiences into a narrative of strength rather than burden.”
As the session progressed, Olivia gradually began to peel back the layers of her trauma, her fears, and her hopes for the future. With each word spoken, she felt a sense of relief, as if the weight on her shoulders lightened just a fraction.
In the safe space of that office, Olivia allowed herself to be vulnerable, to confront her inner demons, and confront the lingering shadows that threatened to engulf her. It was admirable that Dr. Monroe felt she could help Olivia but unless her therapist was a supernatural, Monroe’s help would only extend so far. But still, Detective Olivia Collins would cling to whatever help she could. She was going to need it in the coming months.
The path to healing stretched before her, uncertain and winding, but Olivia was determined to navigate it with strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of self. At that moment, she knew that no matter how dark the shadows may be, she had the power to overcome them and find her way back to the light.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Olivia's temples pulsed with pain, each throb echoing the relentless assault on her senses. She cradled the lukewarm glass of water in her trembling hands, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface as she fought to ease the ache within her skull. Two aspirins lay before her, offering a glimmer of hope for relief.
As she reached for the pills, a sudden, forceful knock shattered the fragile silence that enveloped her apartment. The sound reverberated through her eardrums, jolting her fragile state of tranquility. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breath caught in her throat.
Reluctantly, Olivia set the glass down, the faint ripples in the water mirroring the turbulence within her mind. She glanced toward the entrance, her gaze fixated on the closed door, a portal to the unknown.
Jessica had insisted on staying by her side, a protective presence that warmed Olivia's heart. But she needed space. As much as she loved her daughter she needed some time alone, some time with her thoughts.
A shiver coursed through her body, an involuntary reaction to the prickling sensation that crawled up her spine. The hairs on the back of her neck stood erect, a silent warning that stirred her instincts. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right, that the storm of chaos hadn't completely passed.
The knock persisted, each thud echoing through her being, urging her to face whatever awaited on the other side. A mixture of trepidation and determination welled up within her, fueling her resolve. She needed to confront the unknown, to seek answers and closure, even if it meant inviting discomfort into her fragile sanctuary.
Pushing herself up from the chair, Olivia steadied her wavering steps as she made her way to the door. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob, hesitating for a brief moment before twisting it and pulling the door open.
And there, standing before her, was a figure she hadn't expected. A wave of emotions crashed over her, mixing relief with apprehension. It was Rachel Park, the persistent reporter from the Phoenix Gazette, her eyes filled with curiosity and determination.
“No, no, no.” Olivia Collins nodded her head.
“Someone is going to tell your story whether you like it or not, Detective Collins. I’m merely giving you the chance to tell it and be in control of what’s said.” Rachel shrugged as if it was no sweat off her back to take on the challenge of interviewing Olivia Collins for an article she was writing about her as the city’s mascot.