Danielle fidgets with the squishy frog that’s been her favorite for the two years since she started coming to Dr. Andrews for her DID. The woman herself walks in and sits across from her, in the comfy, red armchair.

“Apologies for the delay Danielle. Now, before we get started, I’ve made sure to have the window open for Xavier as usual, but are there any additional modifications to the room that would be beneficial at this time?”

Danielle gazes over at the window that is indeed open to her left.

“No, but thank you, he appreciates it.”

Dr. Andrews nods and takes a quick glance at the notes on her lap.

“It’s been two weeks since the incident. I know when we met right after your discharge you indicated feeling severely overwhelmed, how are you feeling today?”

Danielle squeezes the frog a bit harder.

“The same, I guess? Like… I’ve still been waking up thinking I’m in that basement and I’ve been very switchy and reactive whenever I leave the house. I understand those things are perfectly normal considering the circumstances, but the constant panic is exhausting, and my coping mechanisms are wearing thin.”

Dr. Andrews takes a moment to let all of Danielle’s words clear the air.

“That’s understandable. This event has stretched the boundaries of your current coping mechanisms as they are not designed for such acute issues. I would like to teach you alternative methods and new strategies for this more fresh kind of trauma, but first I would like to know who you’ve been switching with so we can try and work out what your body is telling you.”

Danielle takes a deep breath.

“I’ve mostly been switching with Xavier when I’m outside the house, but instead of his normal triggers he’ll switch when literally anyone we don’t know talks to us. And Alesha has been taking over around mealtimes to make sure I eat, both in and out of the house.”

Dr. Andrews nods.

“So, if I were to say that it seems your body is focusing on its basic needs and is not yet ready to trust people yet, would you say that’s accurate?”

How does she make it sound so simple?

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“What about everyone else, how are they doing?”

Danielle pictures the tavern tucked in the back of her conscious mind.

“Olive- Detective Benson wasn’t even near the front until the end so it doesn’t consider herself a victim, although she was working on coordinating the best escape strategy with Jackson. Recently, she’s been helping Jackson take care of Dot since her night terrors have started again. Ven has come out of their room a few times since she fronted, but she’s made no effort to do so again and mostly just watches the others. And Mackenzie… I can’t find her.”

Dr. Andrews leans forward a bit.

“Could you elaborate on that?”

“No one has seen Mackenzie since the day we escaped. I’ve knocked on her door a few times but heard nothing, I think only Xavier has gotten any texts from her. But… Mackenzie was ready to fight, even to the death, that’s her job, but I don’t think she ever internalized what that actually meant. I’ve been doing what you said and telling myself that I didn’t kill him, he removed the glass himself, and what was done was necessary, but Mackenzie- She was the one fronting when the glass went into his throat, I don’t think she can displace her self-blame the same way I can.”

“Very thoughtful Danielle. You’ve come a long way in understanding yourself and your alters since I first met you. Do you think Mackenzie could be convinced to come and sit in for a session with me?”

“I can get Xavier to try and ask her.” Danielle squeezes the frog and bites the corner of her lip. “I’ve also been thinking, R- the man,” She still can’t say his name again, “was never really bad to me, I was more of a means to an end. He just wanted attention, and he thought I could get it for him. Which I suppose I did. So, do you think we could talk to the other victims’ families, let them know what exactly their loved ones went through?”

Dr. Andrews gives a gentle smile.

“I don’t think that’s outside of the realm of possibility. I can speak with the police to try and get in touch with the families of the other victims to see if they are interested, but I don’t think we should do that until you feel solid in coping with the stress that talking about the experience in full could cause.”

Danielle pauses, but eventually nods. That is probably for the best.

Dr. Andrews takes her folder and places it on the desk next to her.

“Alright, why don’t we start with some deep breathing before I teach you the new skills?”

Danielle closes her eyes and picks her shoeless feet up onto her chair. She takes a deep breath in through her nose, holds it for ten, then lets it out through her mouth.