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Nightmares
Chapter 1
Nathan Bridger was stirred from a deep sleep by the continuous tossing and turning of Kristen Westphalen. She was murmuring something as well but Nathan couldn't quite make that out. Moving his arm, he gently began rubbing circles along her back in hopes of warding off another nightmare. Kristen had been having them off and on for about a week now. Checking the time, Nathan gently rose out of the bed and put a call through to Mr. O'Neil.
Nathan: Mr. O'Neil?
O'Neil: Yes, sir. What can I do for you?
Nathan: Put a call into Dr. Robyn Gold and notify me when the link has been established.
O'Neil: Ay, captain.
Nathan paced about their shared quarters anticipating the conversation ahead. He stole a quick glance in Kristen's direction and with a sigh, turned to the vid-link to prepare to hear what the doctor had to say.
Robyn: Nathan
Nathan: Robyn, glad that I could catch you.
Robyn: I only have a few minutes before my next patient. What's wrong?
Nathan: It's Kristen. She has been having nightmares for about a week. They leave her shaken and confused. She can't really recall what occurs in them, but has these overwhelming feelings of sadness and fear.
Robyn: Nathan, we spoke about this. When Kristen's mind is ready to deal with the past events, they slowly begin to surface. It sounds as though her subconscious is working to bring it to a conscious level through dreams and nightmares.
Nathan: What if she can't handle the truth? The truth is what made her deny and bury the memories.
Robyn: That was her coping mechanism at the time, Nathan. This is her mind's way of beginning to process the events. It means that she is beginning to be more ready to deal with it. Are you?
Nathan: I just want her to be safe.
Robyn: She is safe with you Nathan. You protected her once; you will again. She needs your continued love and support.
Nathan: Alright, we'll speak again doctor. Kristen is just beginning to wake up. Goodbye and thank you.
With shaking hands, Nathan cut the link. He didn't want to take a chance that Kristen might overhear his conversation with the therapist. Rubbing the back of his neck, Nathan made his way over to their bed. Starring down at the beautiful doctor, he realized how much in love he was. Bending over he whispered, "we will get through this sweetheart", as a lone tear escaped and trickled down Nathan Bridger's face.