Chapter 75. Beginnings and Endings

As Pier continued his recovery, a subtle shift occurred in our dynamic. His expressions, once filled with gratitude and warmth, now occasionally carried a shadow—a lingering trace of the trauma he had endured during his captivity. There were moments when his temper flared unexpectedly, and a sudden darkness clouded his gaze.

At first, I attributed it to the residual effects of his harrowing experience. The therapists assured me that emotional turbulence was a common aspect of post-traumatic recovery, and I embraced the role of a supportive partner, determined to weather the storm with him. Pier, in these moments, became unpredictable, and his actions occasionally hinted at emotional turmoil.

One evening, after a therapy session that had stirred unsettling memories for Pier, I found myself on the receiving end of his frustration. He criticized my actions, dissected my every word, and left me feeling like I was walking on eggshells. Despite the sudden change, I chose to un