章 32: Brave Face

- DOMINIK -

It's ten by the time I decide to go check on Vanessa. She hasn't come down to the kitchen, and I've had entirely too much coffee while trying to make myself busy waiting to see if she'll appear. 

Maria has cleaned up after breakfast and is already preparing things for dinner later. Even on days when we aren't home in time for dinner, she packs it away in containers in the fridge so we can reheat it later. 

Climbing the staircase, I get a little nervous about what I might find. Vanessa was exhausted last night, so I'm sure she's still sleeping. But I know there's a very good chance that she's in a dark mental place right now and probably traumatized from being taken and from being exposed to Ivan, and I'm not sure how great of a help I can be. 

I've found myself in the role of babysitter, bodyguard, and caregiver. Those I can do. But trauma? I don't know how to help with that.