Chapter 66: therapy

Jordan stirred awake as the early morning light filtered through the bedroom window. He stretched, his back slightly sore from sleeping on the spare mattress on the floor between Alex and Jake’s beds. As he blinked the sleep from his eyes, a familiar, unpleasant smell filled his nose.

He sighed, knowing exactly what that meant. Gingerly, he sat up and looked over at the two boys, still sound asleep. “Alright, guys, time to get up,” he said softly, shaking them gently.

Alex groaned, rubbing his eyes, while Jake let out a sleepy whine. “Do we have to?” Alex mumbled.

Jordan smirked. “Unless you wanna stay like that all morning.”

Both boys’ eyes widened as they suddenly became aware of their situation. They wrinkled their noses and sat up quickly. Jordan chuckled, already moving to grab the supplies.

“Alright, let’s get you both changed,” he said, working efficiently to clean them up. Once fresh diapers were secured and their pajamas adjusted, he clapped his hands. “There, all good. Now let’s get downstairs for breakfast.”

Yawning, Alex and Jake followed Jordan out of the room and down the stairs. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of syrup. Miss Harper sat on the couch, sipping from her mug, her legs tucked up beneath her comfortably.

“Morning,” Jordan greeted, guiding the boys toward the kitchen.

Miss Harper glanced up and smiled. “Morning. Sleep well?”

Jordan stretched again. “Well enough.” He glanced around. “Where’s Mrs. Faulkner?”

Miss Harper took another sip of coffee before answering. “She’s in her room changing Tyler and getting him up for the day.”

Jordan smirked. “Bet he’s thrilled.”

Miss Harper chuckled. “Oh, I’m sure.”

Just then, the sound of Tyler’s groggy and unhappy voice carried faintly from upstairs, followed by Mrs. Faulkner’s calm but firm tone. A few minutes later, Mrs. Faulkner came downstairs with Tyler in tow. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, and his lower lip jutted out in a pout.

Jordan barely held back a laugh at the sight. Tyler plopped into his seat at the table, glaring down at his empty plate. When he glanced over and saw Jake and Alex being fed their pancakes, his expression softened slightly, almost hopeful.

However, Mrs. Faulkner set down a small jar of mashed butternut squash and zucchini in front of him instead. "After your attitude last night, I don’t think so, mister," she said firmly.

Tyler’s jaw dropped. "You can’t be serious!"

Mrs. Faulkner simply raised an eyebrow, daring him to argue further. Tyler groaned, slumping in his chair as Jordan chuckled, sipping his coffee. “Man, you’re still gonna fight her after last night?” he said, shaking his head.

Miss Harper smirked. “Some people just don’t learn.”

Tyler glared at them both but reluctantly picked up his spoon. Mrs. Faulkner nodded in satisfaction. “That’s better. Now, eat up—we have therapy in an hour.”

Tyler groaned again, but with no other choice, he took a begrudging bite. Jordan and Miss Harper exchanged amused looks as they continued with their morning routine.

Jordan finished feeding Jake and Alex and said, "Okay, you two—bath, onesies, regular clothes, and then off to therapy."

Tyler, regretfully eating his baby food, asked, "Can I at least have some juice to wash it down?"

Mrs. Faulkner nodded and placed a bottle of his special prune juice next to him with a knowing smile.

Meanwhile, Jordan took Jake and Alex upstairs, preparing their bath. The boys giggled as they splashed around, while Jordan worked on getting them cleaned up and ready for the day ahead.

Twenty minutes later, Jordan drained the tub and dried them off. “Go pick out your onesies, and I’ll find some clothes to go over them so you can be comfy but not embarrassed at therapy.”

Jake picked out a blue onesie that said "Big Boy" on the chest, while Alex chose an orange onesie that read "Little Man." Jordan helped them into their onesies and then dressed them in regular clothes to keep them comfortable yet presentable for their appointment.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Tyler finished his food and reluctantly started drinking from his bottle, knowing the long day ahead wasn’t going to get any easier.

Jordan then brought the boys back downstairs and told them to get their shoes on, which they did. Miss Harper then said, "Okay, boys, Mom is already in the car. Let’s go." She then turned to Jordan and said, "Thanks for getting them ready."

She then turned to Tyler and added, "You better behave. We’ll be back in three hours." Turning back to Jordan, she smirked and said, "If he acts out, you know what to do."

Jordan chuckled, nodding. "Oh, I’ve got it covered."

Miss Harper and the boys headed outside, leaving Jordan and Tyler alone. Jordan crossed his arms, glancing at his friend. "Alright, bud. Finish your bottle."

Tyler rolled his eyes and sneered at Jordan while finishing his bottle. Jordan raised an eyebrow. "Are we gonna have a problem already?"

Thirty minutes later, Mrs. Faulkner, Miss Harper, Alex, and Jake arrived at the therapist's office. They checked in and took their seats in the waiting area, ready for their session to begin.

A few minutes passed before the office door opened, and a woman in professional attire stepped out, holding a clipboard. She scanned the waiting area before offering a warm smile.

“Faulkner?” she called.

Mrs. Faulkner, Miss Harper, Jake, and Alex stood up. Mrs. Faulkner gently placed a reassuring hand on each of the boys' shoulders. “Come on, boys, let’s go in,” she said softly.

Jake clung to Mrs. Faulkner’s side, while Alex hesitated for a moment before following. Miss Harper walked beside them, giving the therapist a polite nod as they entered the office.

As the boys entered the therapist’s office, they hesitated just inside the doorway. Jake clung to Mrs. Faulkner’s hand, while Alex kept close to Miss Harper, his eyes darting around nervously.

Dr. Monroe, a warm-looking woman with kind eyes and curly brown hair, offered them a reassuring smile. “Come in, boys. You can sit wherever you’re comfortable.”

Jake and Alex exchanged glances before cautiously sitting on the couch. Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper took seats beside them, offering silent support.

Dr. Monroe sat in her chair across from them, keeping her voice gentle. “I know this is your first time here, so I want to start by saying this is a safe space. My job is to help you both feel better. You don’t have to say anything you don’t want to, but I promise, nothing bad will happen here.”

The boys remained quiet, shifting uncomfortably.

Dr. Monroe continued, “Why don’t we start with something simple? Can you tell me your names?”

Alex hesitated before answering, “Alex.”

Dr. Monroe nodded. “Nice to meet you, Alex.” She looked to Jake, who stayed silent.

Mrs. Faulkner rubbed his back. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”

After a moment, Jake mumbled, “Jake.”

Dr. Monroe smiled. “Thank you, Jake. I know this is new and maybe a little scary, but I want you both to know that I’m here to help.”

The boys didn’t respond, their bodies still tense.

Dr. Monroe leaned forward slightly. “Would it help if we talked about something you like? Do you have any favorite games or toys?”

Alex glanced at Jake before answering quietly, “We like stuffed animals.”

Dr. Monroe’s smile grew. “That’s wonderful. Do you have a favorite one?”

Jake hesitated, then barely whispered, “Wolf.”

Dr. Monroe nodded. “That sounds like a great friend to have. What’s his name?”

Jake glanced at Mrs. Faulkner, then whispered, “Shadow.”

“That’s a strong name,” Dr. Monroe said warmly. “Shadow must be very special to you.”

Jake gave the faintest nod.

Dr. Monroe turned to Alex. “What about you?”

Alex played with the hem of his shirt before answering, “I have a bear. His name is Bruno.”

“I love that,” Dr. Monroe said. “Stuffed animals can be really comforting, especially when we feel scared or sad. Do Shadow and Bruno help you feel safe?”

Both boys nodded, though neither said anything more.

Dr. Monroe didn’t push. Instead, she continued gently, “Can you tell me a little about how you’re feeling today?”

Alex shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”

Jake simply stared at the floor.

Mrs. Faulkner spoke softly, “They’ve been through a lot. Some days are harder than others.”

Dr. Monroe nodded in understanding. “That’s completely normal. What’s important is that you’re here, and we’re going to work together to help you feel better.”

The room fell into a moment of silence before Dr. Monroe spoke again. “Would you like to draw something today? Sometimes it’s easier to show how we feel rather than say it.”

Alex looked at Jake before nodding slightly. Dr. Monroe took out some paper and colored pencils, placing them on the table. The boys hesitantly took a sheet each, their small hands gripping the crayons carefully.

As they began to draw, Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper exchanged a glance, hopeful that this first step—though small—was a step toward healing.

As the session continued, Dr. Monroe gently encouraged the boys to talk through their drawings.

Alex hesitated before pushing his picture forward. The crayon drawing depicted a man with a rugged face, wearing a hat, his expression cold and distant.

Dr. Monroe studied it for a moment before asking softly, “Who is this, Alex?”

Alex swallowed hard. “Bobby Lyle.”

Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper exchanged a tense glance but stayed quiet.

Dr. Monroe’s voice remained calm. “Can you tell me about him?”

Alex fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. “He… took me,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know where I was. I didn’t know if I’d ever see my family again.”

Dr. Monroe nodded, her expression kind. “That must have been very scary.”

Alex just nodded, gripping the crayon tightly in his hand.

Dr. Monroe leaned in slightly. “It’s okay to talk about it, Alex. You’re safe now.”

Alex blinked rapidly but didn’t speak. Mrs. Faulkner reached over and placed a comforting hand on his back, rubbing slow circles.

Dr. Monroe didn’t push. “If you ever want to talk about what happened, we can do that when you’re ready.”

Alex gave a small nod, still looking at his drawing.

Meanwhile, Jake remained quiet, gripping his own drawing tightly before hesitantly sliding it forward.

Dr. Monroe studied it—a crayon sketch of Miss Harper, her stance firm, a gun in her hand. The lines were darker, bolder, as if drawn with more intensity.

“Tell me about this, Jake,” Dr. Monroe said softly.

Jake glanced at Miss Harper, then back at his drawing. “She saved us,” he said simply.

Dr. Monroe nodded, giving him time to elaborate.

“She had her gun. She wasn’t scared. She… she got Alex back.” His voice wavered slightly.

Miss Harper gave a small, reassuring smile. “That’s right, kiddo.”

Dr. Monroe kept her voice steady. “It sounds like you felt really afraid when Alex was gone.”

Jake nodded quickly. “I didn’t know if we’d ever find him again. But Miss Harper… she made sure we did.”

Dr. Monroe folded her hands. “It sounds like you both went through something really difficult, but you had people who worked hard to bring you home.”

Alex and Jake nodded.

Dr. Monroe gave them a warm smile. “You were both very brave. And we’re going to work on making sure you don’t feel so scared anymore, okay?”

The boys didn’t say anything, but Alex reached out and took Jake’s hand, squeezing it.

Miss Harper and Mrs. Faulkner exchanged a look—this was just the beginning, but it was a step forward.

Dr. Monroe set the boys’ drawings aside and turned her attention to Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper. “This experience wasn’t just difficult for Alex and Jake. How are you both doing?”

Mrs. Faulkner let out a quiet breath. “Honestly? I’m just relieved they’re home. But… it’s been hard. Seeing them struggle, especially Alex, it—it breaks my heart.”

Dr. Monroe nodded empathetically. “That’s completely understandable. Watching a child go through trauma can feel overwhelming. Have you been able to find time for yourself? Any support systems in place?”

Mrs. Faulkner hesitated before nodding toward Miss Harper. “She’s been my rock through all of this.”

Miss Harper gave a small smirk, but there was exhaustion behind her eyes. “Yeah, well, I don’t mind playing bodyguard and babysitter, but I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been a lot.” She leaned back slightly, rubbing her temples. “I don’t sleep much these days. I keep thinking about what could’ve happened if we didn’t get to Alex in time.”

Dr. Monroe studied them both before speaking. “It’s important that you take care of yourselves, too. Trauma isn’t just something the boys are carrying—it affects you as well. Guilt, fear, exhaustion… it’s a heavy burden.”

Mrs. Faulkner nodded. “I know. But I just want to be strong for them.”

“You are,” Dr. Monroe assured her. “But strength also means knowing when to ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Miss Harper sighed. “I get that. But my way of dealing with things is action. Making sure the boys are safe.

That nobody ever gets close enough to hurt them again.”

Dr. Monroe gave her a knowing look. “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders. But constantly being on high alert can take a toll. Do you have an outlet? A way to release some of that stress?”

Miss Harper chuckled dryly. “Shooting range.”

Dr. Monroe smiled slightly. “That’s one way. But I’d also recommend finding moments of rest. Letting yourself breathe.”

Miss Harper sighed but gave a small nod.

Dr. Monroe looked between them. “You both love these boys fiercely. That’s clear. But don’t forget—taking care of yourselves helps you take better care of them.”

Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper exchanged a glance, and for the first time in a while, they let themselves acknowledge the weight they had been carrying.

Dr. Monroe smiled gently. “We’ll work through this, together.”

With that the session ended Dr. Monroe handed the boys some candy and can you boys go wait in the waiting room i want to talk to miss harper and your mom real quick.

Alex and Jake took the candy eagerly, murmuring their thanks as they unwrapped the sweets. Mrs. Faulkner gave them a gentle nod. “Go on, boys. We’ll be out in a minute.”

The boys headed out to the waiting room, leaving Dr. Monroe, Mrs. Faulkner, and Miss Harper alone.

Dr. Monroe folded her hands on her desk, her expression turning more serious. “I wanted to speak with you both privately because I have some concerns—especially about Alex.”

Mrs. Faulkner’s breath hitched. “What kind of concerns?”

Dr. Monroe sighed. “Alex’s drawing of Bobby Lyle… it tells me that he’s still very much processing what happened. That’s expected, of course, but the way he drew it—dark, aggressive lines, the way he pressed into the paper—it suggests a lot of buried fear and anger. He may not be outwardly expressing it yet, but it’s there, and if not addressed properly, it could manifest in unhealthy ways.”

Mrs. Faulkner swallowed hard, while Miss Harper leaned forward. “So what do we do?”

Dr. Monroe gave them a reassuring look. “We keep working through it in therapy. But at home, it’s important to create a space where Alex feels safe talking about his emotions, especially anger. If he feels like he has to push it down or hide it, that could be dangerous in the long run.”

Mrs. Faulkner nodded slowly. “I just don’t want to push him too hard. I don’t want to make him relive it.”

“You won’t force anything,” Dr. Monroe assured her. “Just let him know that whatever he’s feeling is okay. And if he ever wants to talk, you’re there to listen.”

Miss Harper exhaled. “And Jake?”

Dr. Monroe glanced at the other drawing. “Jake’s attachment to you is clear. His drawing of you and your gun—he sees you as his protector, his security. But I also worry that he’s associating safety with control. If he starts believing that power is the only way to feel safe, that could lead to difficulties later in life.”

Miss Harper frowned. “So what, you want me to soften up?”

Dr. Monroe smiled slightly. “Not necessarily. Just be mindful of the message you’re sending. He needs to know that strength isn’t just about force—it’s also about trust, resilience, and knowing when to lean on others.”

Miss Harper sighed but nodded. “Alright. I can work on that.”

Dr. Monroe leaned back in her chair. “I know this isn’t easy, but you’re both doing everything you can. Just keep an eye on them, be patient, and make sure they know they’re not alone in this.”

Mrs. Faulkner smiled softly. “Thank you, Dr. Monroe.”

“Of course,” Dr. Monroe said warmly. “I’ll see you all next week.”

With that, Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper stood, taking a moment to compose themselves before heading out to collect the boys.

Just as they were about to leave the office Dr. Monroe said oh and I'm sorry that he boys were part of that who lyle fiasco maybe we can talk about some one on one sessions with each of the boys.

Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper paused at the door, turning back toward Dr. Monroe. Mrs. Faulkner’s expression was hesitant, but thoughtful. “One-on-one sessions?”

Dr. Monroe nodded. “Yes. While these joint sessions are helpful, individual therapy would allow each boy to express things they might not feel comfortable saying in front of the other. Alex, for instance, may not want to burden Jake with his fears, and Jake might hold back so he doesn’t upset Alex.”

Miss Harper crossed her arms. “Makes sense. When would you want to start?”

Dr. Monroe smiled reassuringly. “We can arrange it as soon as you’re comfortable. Maybe alternating weeks—one week a group session, the next individual sessions for each of them.”

Mrs. Faulkner exhaled, nodding. “That sounds like a good plan. I want to do whatever will help them heal.”

“Exactly,” Dr. Monroe agreed. “I’ll have my receptionist set up the schedule before you leave today.”

Miss Harper ran a hand through her hair. “Alright, let’s do it.”

Dr. Monroe gave them both a warm, understanding look. “You’re doing the right thing. These boys have been through a lot, but with time, patience, and the right support, they’ll find their way forward.”

Mrs. Faulkner gave a small smile, though the concern in her eyes lingered. “I hope so.”

With that, they turned and left the office, ready to gather Alex and Jake and set up their next steps toward healing.

Mrs faulkner and miss harper then collected the boys and said ok time to go... his about we get some ice cream on the way home both boys smiled.... 10 minutes later they get the boys a cup of chocolate icecream and begin to head home.

As they drove home, the boys happily ate their chocolate ice cream, their earlier nerves from the therapy session forgotten for the moment. Jake swung his legs back and forth in his seat, grinning as he licked his spoon. “Dr. Monroe was nice,” he said between bites.

Alex nodded, though he was quieter, focused on his ice cream. “Yeah… I liked that she gave us candy.”

Mrs. Faulkner chuckled from the driver’s seat. “I think she’ll be a big help for you both.”

Miss Harper glanced back at them. “And next week, you’ll each get your own time to talk to her.”

Alex hesitated. “By myself?”

Miss Harper gave him a reassuring smile. “Yep, but don’t worry, kiddo. It’s just so you can talk about anything you want without worrying about anyone else listening in.”

Jake shrugged. “Sounds fine to me.”

Alex took another bite of ice cream and leaned his head against the window, watching the trees pass by. “Okay… I’ll try.”

Mrs. Faulkner reached back to pat his knee. “That’s all we ask.”

By the time they pulled into the driveway, the boys had finished their treats, their faces smeared with chocolate. Miss Harper laughed. “Alright, let’s get inside and clean you two up before you make a mess.”

The boys giggled, hopping out of the car, their spirits lighter than they had been that morning.