Farrington-Gores: Correspondence

‘Oh, hi!’

‘Hello, Nyla. I heard you were back and I just thought I’d call around.’

‘Come in, then.’

‘I wanted to ask how you were doing, after... you know.’

‘Yeah, I’m getting by…’

‘I just wanted to stress how important it is to look after yourself in this situation. What happened to you was potentially quite traumatic.’

‘It was terrifying, I won’t lie. But I’m safe now, so…’

‘I’ve been there. In that exact same position, with Tate threatening me with a gun, and it really is terrifying. Sometimes people don’t quite grasp the seriousness of something like this, because we were ultimately unharmed, at least physically.’

‘I’m sorry, Edward. You didn’t deserve that either.’

‘Thank you, Nyla. But while I was probably a mental health catastrophe anyway, it still undeniably added to that trauma, do you know what I mean? I think in the next few months you should take care of yourself and monitor how you’re feeling. Because honestly? This is something that could lead to PTSD.’

‘You really think so? But it wasn’t that bad in comparison to what you went through.’

‘Here’s the thing… It isn’t about what exactly happened. It’s about the perceived threat, and the effect it has on you both at the time and going forward. Even if you don’t come to any physical harm, the fact is, you were in serious danger in that moment and that’s how your brain took it. PTSD doesn’t only happen to people who have injuries or scars to bear. It’s psychological trauma, and physical trauma doesn’t have to be involved.’

‘Of course, in my case, there were injuries, and lots of them. But that isn’t the only trauma I’ve suffered. I’m not trying to linger on myself or get sympathy, I’m just using myself as an example… but I was previously traumatised from my childhood abuse even before anything happened with Tate. And I can tell you the fear and the effect it has on your brain is just as damaging as anything else.’

‘Oh, Edward, that’s awful…’

‘I’m doing okay now, though. I’m managing it very well.’

‘Good… Do you think it’ll happen to me, then?’

‘No, it’s not at all guaranteed. Trauma doesn’t always cause PTSD – that’s the inability to process trauma. It’s only something like 20% of people who go on to develop PTSD after something like this. I just wanted you to be aware of it. People think that because they haven’t been to a warzone or something like that, they can’t possibly have it, but it’s not exclusive to soldiers. Don’t be too worried. You’ll likely move on from this just fine. But if you don’t, you know you can talk to me about it and I’ll understand.’

‘Thanks. God, you’re absolutely right. I even know all this stuff; for God’s sake, I studied psychology in your classes!’

‘Of course, but even an extensive knowledge of psychology doesn’t mean you’ll apply it to your own self. There’s been many times when I’ve been very bad at taking my own advice. I’m a bloody counsellor who’s a former alcoholic with mental health issues.’

‘You’re a good one, though. Kids trust you. You’re an easy person to open up to.’

‘Thank you. I appreciate that.’

‘I think I’ll probably be okay… But I’ll make sure I keep talking about it.’

‘Good. You know you can rely on me, or Stanley, or your family and friends at any time. You did an incredibly brave thing. What you did protected Roxxi.’

‘After what she’s been through, she deserves to stay safe.’

‘Absolutely, and thanks to you, she now will.’

Elsewhere...

'Mr Fortescue. Hello.'

'Good afternoon. I'll get straight to the point: I heard about Roxanne leaving you and taking the children. Is that true?'

'...Yes. It is.'

'Am I then right in thinking that this means Carmella won't be available to marry Quinn, as we agreed?'

'No. I assure you, I haven't given up on the idea of getting them to come home. This is simply a mere blip.'

'Why did she feel the need to leave in the first place?'

'I'm not sure. Honestly, you know what she can be like. I'm sure this is just some misguided attempt at getting back at me over a minor slight. We've had a perfectly stable marriage for over seventeen years, Mr Fortescue.'

'It seems like a huge overreaction to what you call a 'minor slight', Mr Mayor. Although I do suppose it's no surprise, considering her background. I wouldn't expect a woman like her to know how to behave like a proper wife.'

'Oh, Roxxi knows what's what. With the best will in the world, sometimes women are just irrational. I promise you, before much longer I will have this situation resolved.'

'I do hope Carmella hasn't taken any cues from her mother. I wouldn't want her to think it's acceptable to just disappear on Quinn when the mood takes her.'

'Believe me, I will make that very clear to her.'

'Alright. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, since you haven't let me down before. Let me know when you've managed to bring them back.'

'Thank you. Yes, you'll be the first to know.'