Shadows flicker on the walls of the warm and cosy hut, which tonight has that unique sweet salty vinegar-and-garlic scent of post coitus, intermingled with perfume from half a dozen deep red roses sitting in an old enamel water jug on the table.
Naked under the rough blanket covering her, Grace lies with her face nestled against Colin’s chest. He has his arms wrapped around her, holding her close, and both are sleeping.
No dreams to haunt them here. No nightmares to frighten them. The terrors of the real world have no place here. They are simply enjoying the comforting, healing sleep, of minds at ease in their own secret place.
The End
Whilst this story is a work of fiction with more than a touch of the fantastical and intended for entertainment only, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is very real indeed and its effects can be far reaching and devastating. Far too many continue to suffer in silence because they feel that nobody else can have the slightest inkling of what they are going through.
Please, be assured, you do not need to think that way.
If you or someone you know and love has PTSD, cyclothymia, or any other kind of depressive illness and you need someone to talk to, to confide in, there are some brilliant organisations out there who can help, who will listen, will understand, will not give up on you even if you have given up on yourself – and you don’t need to be military to benefit.
Take that first step, pick up the phone and call. You only need say two little words, probably the hardest you will ever say, but they could save a life, possibly yours.
Those words – Help. Me.
Combat Stress
Worth Fighting For
*Help for Heroes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jillian Brookes-Ward hails originally from the North West of England but now resides in bustling historic Aberdeen, Scotland.
A former Medical/MedicoLegal secretary, she gave up the 9-5 rat race to pursue a writing career inspired by her locale and the people around her. A good move as it turns out because it has yielded nine books so far, ranging from contemporary romance to psychological drama and raunchy riverside romps, to the gut wrenching horror of OFFSHORE under the pen-name Lucy Pepperdine.
When Jillian is not writing she cares for her home and family, and takes long walks in the parks and on the beach with her dog, her writing buddy and constant companion, Wee Archie. Jillian is also an avid supporter of and fund raiser for military charities Help for Heroes and Combat Stress.
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