Seeking Help
“Watch out!” Veteran Phil screamed in his sleep, his voice echoing through the quiet night. “That’s the enemy shooting at us!”
His wife, Mary, sat up with a start, her heart racing as she reached out to shake him awake. “Phil, wake up! You’re having a nightmare!”
Phil’s eyes fluttered open, his gaze disoriented as he struggled to shake off the vivid dream. He rubbed his eyes, the exhaustion etched on his face a testament to the countless nights he’d endured these terrifying episodes.
“Why did you wake me up?” he asked, his voice laced with a mix of confusion and frustration. “I was having a good dream.”
Mary’s expression softened as she handed him a glass of water. “You were screaming in your sleep, Phil. You were reliving the trauma again.” She knew all too well the horrors he’d faced during his tours in the war, the memories that still haunted him decades later.
Phil sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. “I can’t believe it’s been almost 70 years and I’m still dealing with this.” He looked at Mary, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. “I thought time was supposed to heal all wounds.”
Mary took his hand, her touch warm and comforting. “Time may not erase the scars, but talking to someone can help you heal. That’s why I’m so relieved you finally agreed to see a counsellor.” She squeezed his hand gently. “You don’t have to carry this burden alone, Phil.”
The next day, Phil sat in the counsellor’s office, his story spilling out like a pent-up flood. The counsellor listened attentively, his expression empathetic as he scribbled notes on his pad. “It’s not just about the nightmares, Phil. It’s about the guilt, the survivor’s guilt that still lingers.”
Phil nodded, a lump forming in his throat. “I couldn’t save them all. I couldn’t protect my comrades.” The counsellor handed him a box of tissues, his voice gentle. “You did what you could, Phil. You served with honor. It’s time to forgive yourself.”
As Phil left the counsellor’s office, a weight lifted off his shoulders. He felt a sense of hope he hadn’t felt in years. Maybe, just maybe, he could finally find peace. Mary greeted him with a warm hug and a smile. “How did it go?”
Phil’s eyes sparkled with tears. “I think I’m going to be okay, Mary. I really do.” Together, they walked into the bright sunlight, hand in hand, ready to face the future and leave the nightmares behind.
Moral of this Story:
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