17 Chapter 15

"What Andrianna had was a panic attack. She was most likely having a nightmare that triggered it. Perhaps it was something related to the incident. You have to understand she not only suffered from a huge loss but was also forced to watch something as traumatic as rape. For a seven year old that is a lot to process. Has she talked about it to anyone?"

"I do not think so but then I was not involved in her life until recently."

Victor turned to face Marshal before asking, "Has she spoken to you?"

Marshal's teeth ground while he shook his head to say no. He could not talk about Francis or the way she died. He was not ready yet. He realized for the first time he was probably doing a terrible job as being Andrianna's proxy parent if he could not even talk about everything she had been through. But, talking about that would kill him.

Listening to how the love of his life endured so much cruelty at the hands of a man high on cocaine was not something he could listen to.

He wondered if the man who did that to Francis was even aware of what he was doing. Or if he cared.

Was he remorseful of his actions?

Most likely the man did not remember what he had done and even if he did it was unlikely he felt sorry.

"And what about that lady in black Andrianna keeps blabbering about?"

"It's very common for children her age to have a hyperactive imagination. They make up imaginary friends or scenarios and even see these friends. The lady is black is a manifestation of processing Francis' death. Considering she doesn't actually remember it. So, she remembers Francis and that she died. She knows that she was there but what happened she no longer remembers. It's called Dissociative amnesia. It will come back to her eventually, but not right now. And I think it's best we don't remind her what she had witnessed just yet. It will do Andrianna really good to go into therapy. Talk to a psychiatrist and deal with the incident. We don't want to prescribe anything yet."

Victor nodded in understanding as he left to visit his sleeping daughter.

The two men walked in silence. Each lost in their own train of thought. They stood in front of the door that lead to Andrianna's room when victor placed a hand on Marshal's shoulder.

"Marshal?"

"Yes, victor?"

"I have to ask you for a favor. And I understand if you declined. And I would not have asked you if it was not necessary. But, you see I am worried about my daughter. I cannot stay home. And even if I did, it would not make any difference because it pains me to say this but I have not been a decent father in her life. I did a job even worse than my ex-wife. And so Andrianna would not feel safe with me. But you, well you're different. Andrianna feels safe with you, trusts you and at a time like this I don't think handing her over to another care taker is a good idea. Given the circumstances. I was hoping you would stay home with us and take care of my child. I am not asking you to quit your job or anything. I know you're very good at what you do and are highly respected. And I will hire another care taker for her but you being around would help her survive this. Emotionally, I mean."

"Yes, I understand. And Andrianna is as much a part of me as my Francis was. She would have wanted me to take care of Andrianna. After all, Andrianna was like a daughter to her."