She attended counseling with a trauma specialist, but progress was uneven.

One morning she told me she was afraid she would never feel normal again.

“I don’t know what normal means anymore,” I admitted.

“But I know there are people who can help, and I know you don’t have to do this alone.”

She considered that.

“What if I get angry at you?”

“Then we’ll talk about it when you’re ready.”

“What if I get angry for no reason?”