Just follow the link to read.
https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-passion-for-murder.html
A Passion for Murder
Excerpt:
PTSD
Several times in the two weeks after he'd
reported for work, Steven was discovered asleep in Tiama’s room. A baby monitor
and camera kept everyone informed of Tiama's needs, but for the third time this
week, Steven ended up sleeping there too. No matter what time he came in from
work, the nursery was the first place Steven would visit. It held a comfortable
chair where he'd relax, often with his son in his arms. Since starting work,
it's where he found respite. Without disturbing Steven, Sarah fed, then changed
Tiama and rocked him back to sleep.
After she had her son taken care of, she tried
to wake her husband. Sarah shook him gently. "Steven. Come to bed with me.
You'll be more comfortable. I promise."
Startled, Steven jerked awake, grabbed her by
the throat, his chair slamming shut with a loud thud as he stood. Forcing Sarah
backward, he banged her head against the wall. The harsh growl from his throat
sounded animalistic. His face contorted with the resolve to destroy his enemy.
Frightened and caught off guard, Sarah tried to
scream. Instead, she could barely croak his name. "Steven." Failing,
she made a fist and struck him. "Get off me." She tried to yell.
Her wallop caught his attention. He loosened
his grip as it took him a second to realize what he was doing. The newly hired
Nanny rushed into the room. She stopped cold, unsure of what was happening.
"Oh, God. Sarah, I’m so sorry." He
held her close. "I’m so sorry. Are you okay?" He held her away from
him to check the damage. She was clutching her neck and trying to get her
breath. He moved her hand and saw the bruises already forming. "Oh my God,
what have I done?"
"Nila, it's all right," Sarah told
the frightened girl. "Tiama is sleeping," she rasped. "Go back
to bed."
*****
Post-traumatic stress
disorder is an anxiety disorder that develops following frightening, stressful,
or distressing life events.
The symptoms may include:
·
Reliving–flashbacks, hallucinations, nightmares of the
incident
· Excessive arousal–increased alertness, anger, fits of rage, irritability, or hatred, difficulty sleeping or concentrating·
Data from Focus Medica. Reviewed by a panel of doctors.Learn more
Consult a medical professional for advice
Steven and Sarah went through a horrendous year after The Snowman escaped prison. Steven knows Sarah suffers from PTSD, but he isn't willing to label his own stress the same.
Denial is typical, but help is
key to fighting your way through it. Something many of us have a tough time
asking for and accepting.
16 comments:
While my burdens are smaller and lighter than PTSD I will admit that I find it hard (and a little shameful) to ask for help.
That is a powerful excerpt. I do hope that Steven can/does/will ask for help.
Hi Yolanda - brilliant excerpt ... worrying too ... PTSD is so misunderstood - equally we, humans, don't like asking for help ... also people don't always understand when you do - a powerful post. All the best - Hilary
We all do, Sue. I learned it from my parents. Shame was associated with need. Stoicism, silence, and suppression were all the techniques they taught. And the lessons were severe!
Thanks, Hilary. It happens when least expected too.
I've dealt with PTSD from a couple of situations. One as recent as last year that is still impacting me. The other is older, from many years ago. Someone can get PTSD from so many things, and it's a true struggle. Thank you for shining light on it!
Thank you, Chris. It's insidious!
I wish all wellness and continued strength to deal with yours.
PTSD is powerful. I've worked with many kids who suffer with PTSD (and some parents). It requires a lot of support and understanding. This is such a powerful excerpt from the novel! Even on this (my 2nd or 3rd read) my heart is pounding.
Thanks, Jemi. An understanding for one's owns limitation is also hard to come by. Although, it seems today, with more awareness and knowledge, it's getting easier.
It's good to highlight PTSD. So many people are suffering, often afraid to share as Detective Quaid was. My Saskia in Paris Dreams has PTSD from the Boston bomb. A lot of research went into it!
Your excerpt begins with such gentleness, the father who dotes on his baby son, peaks to the moment of mindlessness that could have been fatal for Sarah and then eases out into a realisation, for Sarah at least, about what is happening. Good on you for highlighting PTSD. I look forward to reading this.
Excellent scene showing PTSD. Steven is in denial, and I feel a lot of men do the same.
What a powerful excerpt! I think many people suffer from PTSD in some form or another. Thank you for highlighting this serious condition. Brilliant writing, as always, Yolanda!
Hi, Denise. Research is always important when writing. The more realistic, even though fiction, the better! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, Kalpana, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I couldn't imagine anyone going through the horror of the last book with out suffering some effect from it. have to take care of those characters. :)
I think so too, no matter how intelligent you are, admitting to needing help is never easy!
I think you're right. We're a stoic society. Or at least we used to be, it seems the younger generation are more open than mine ever was!
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