Chapter 8 - Rebuilding Broken Pieces
In the weeks following the divorce, the quiet peace of the country house returned, but the emotional scars left on Dustin required time and deep care to heal.
For the first few weeks, Dustin was unusually quiet during mealtimes. Every time I served dinner, he would look at his plate, then look at me, as if asking for permission to eat. He even hesitated to ask for second helpings of his favorite foods.
It broke my heart every single day.
I took time off from work, taking an extended leave of absence to spend every moment rebuilding my son's sense of security and self-worth. We enrolled him in child therapy with a wonderful counselor named Dr. Aris, who specialized in childhood trauma and adoption security.
During one of our joint therapy sessions, Dr. Aris asked Dustin to draw a picture of his family.
Dustin took his crayons and drew a cozy little house under a bright yellow sun. Inside the house, he drew two figures holding hands: a large figure wearing a bright red sweater (me) and a small figure wearing a blue shirt (himself).
In the corner of the paper, far away from the house, he drew three gray stick figures behind a tall fence.
"Who are those figures behind the fence, Dustin?" Dr. Aris asked gently.
Dustin looked up at me, then at the doctor. "Those are the people who don't love us," he said softly. "They have to stay behind the fence so they can't hurt my mom or take my food anymore."
Dr. Aris smiled warmly at him. "And how do you feel inside the house with your mom?"
Dustin wrapped his small arms around my waist, burying his face against my side. "I feel safe. My mom loves me the most."
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Tears filled my eyes as I squeezed him tight. "Always, my sweet boy. Always."
Slowly but surely, the light returned to Dustin’s eyes. His playful giggles echoed through the hallways of the country house once again. He started running through the gardens without fear, playing with his toys freely, and eating his favorite meals surrounded by love and warmth.
