Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
NORA
“ I think talking to Atlas about finding some type of online job is a great idea,” Maggie says, smiling at me through the screen.
“The first step of many toward taking back your independence.”
“I do, too.” I glance away from the screen.
“I just worry I’m not really qualified for anything.”
Maggie takes a sip from her mug, regarding me over the rim.
“There are plenty of positions you’re qualified for, Nora. Don’t make problems where they don’t exist.”
My shoulders slump in defeat.
“You’re right. I know you are. It’s just hard not to look for all the ways something can go wrong.” Especially when so much in my life already has, I add bitterly in my head.
“I know, which is why I want you to start a gratitude journal. That way, whenever life feels overwhelming or it feels like everything’s going wrong, you can look back and reflect on all that’s going right.”
“Okay, yeah. I can do that.”
“Good. We’ll talk again at the same time next week, but if you need me before then, I’m only a call away.”
“Thanks, Maggie.” I lower my eyes and scrape my teeth over my lower lip before refocusing on the screen.
“I really missed you—talking to you, I mean.”
Maggie smiles, her eyes crinkling in the corner.
“I missed you, too, Nora,” she says, before ending our session.
Tears blur my vision as I stare at the blank screen.
Maggie kept our talk pretty surface-level, but just hearing her voice again after so long has a whole mess of emotions writhing inside of me, fighting to break free.
I’m still sitting at his desk, silently crying, when Atlas finds me.
“Shit, Pip.” He rushes into the room, scooping me into his arms. “Are you okay? Talk to me, pretty girl.”
“I just…” I shake my head, unable to give voice to thoughts swirling around in my head like a tornado.
“Shh.” Atlas pulls me closer, and I nestle my head in the crook of his neck.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
He holds me, whispering softly, as I cry out all of my hurt.
By the time I pull back, his neck and shirt are damp from my tears, though if he notices, he mercifully doesn’t comment on it.
“You with me?” he asks, smoothing my hair back from my face.
“Yeah.” I try to wriggle out of his hold, but he only pulls me closer, not giving an inch.
If he was anyone else, I know I would lose myself to fear, but just like I know the sun will rise each morning, I know Atlas would never hurt me.
“I’m with you.”
He leans in, pressing his forehead to mine.
“How can I help?”
“Distract me.” I shrug, looking up at him.
“Take my mind off everything.”
“I know just the thing.” He brushes his lips over my forehead before sliding out from under me.
“Hop up on the bed. We’re going to have a movie day.”
I snuggle down into my spot, fluffing my pillow and pulling the covers up to my chin as he queues up some random comedy on his laptop.
“Is this okay?” He lifts the blanket, signaling he wants to join me under the covers.
My insides flip, but I nod.
“Yeah, it’s okay.”
He doesn’t waste a second before sliding into bed beside me.
The warmth of his body next to mine is the best kind of comfort, and when he slips his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side, it feels like coming home.
My eyelids grow heavy as the movie plays, and before I know it, I’m fast asleep.