WARNING: If any of you have certain trauma triggers, I would suggest reading with caution. This chapter does not contain any hard topics, but just in case.

Trauma, the Greek word for 'wound'. Many people experience such, and talking about it might not come as easy. When people willingly open up about their experiences, they are inviting you to a vulnerable place which should be treated with upmost respect. Please take off your shoes before stepping into this place.

Gene's POV

Sweat trickled down my forehead, and its saltiness made my eyes burn as I woke up from the vision. More than that, vivid images burn in the back of my mind.

"This rage? Never again."

It took a moment to reconnect my body with my surroundings, instinct still searching for Mai. I am tearing up, for crying out loud! Breath hitched, and the lack of air made me dizzy. Even if being back at the spiritual plane was as surprising, it is the first time that such experience would affect me like it did right now.

Once my eye sight came back to one, I took some time to process what happened.

Such as it would happen in a mystery series, a million questions crossed my mind, starting off with Mai's wellbeing. What had happened before this? What happened afterwards?

The next thought to cross my mind, the inevitable one: 'Should I tell Noll right now?'; it is a valid question, since spilling everything might intrude in Mai's wishes to speak of it herself.

Thankfully, Noll is not here so I have time to process what would be the next step to confront Mai.

Mai's POV

Having the same nightmare after all these years has become tiring. More so, it had become so habitual that it almost seemed like a movie playing in the background. However, I can't deny that it had been long since the last time I had re-lived these memories.

I hadn't noticed, but my heartbeats rushed like a drummer on a fast-paced solo. Or more like the first time I had encountered a real ghost. That sure was nerve-wrecking.

There is no white room at my apartment, so I immediately ground myself to reality.

Five things I can see: the night lamp, the ceiling, the digital clock's bright numbers, and the street lights outside the windows from my place, and an old picture from the SPR team.

Four things I can feel: the blanket's soft fabric, my sweaty forehead, the stress ball from my nightstand, and a keepsake from one of the nicest clients we had at SPR.

Three things I can hear: Oh dang, the night is silent. Hm… the air conditioner, a dog barking from afar, and I got nothing else.

Two… two things to smell?

I get up and walked towards my closet, and grabbed the first thing at hand. The smell of chocolate, and the memory of high school days. There is a shirt that definitely needs another wash. Now to the kitchen. The smell of tea leaves. Naru. FUC- No. Not going there.

One thing to taste: Caramel, Yasu's favorite candy.

And I feel aware and centered now. And now that I am centered, I see the new cracks on the window.

Great.

Author's note

SO… about that 7 year gap! I have absolutely no excuse. I re-read these chapters and wondered why I stopped writing. If any original follower reads this, thanks for the read!

Updates about me: I am a Doctoral student for Clinical Psychology. I guess you would notice its influence on the story's references. I have grown to love anime even more through the years, and have even used it as a therapeutic tool (metaphors). It has been really interesting!

Back to the story, if any of you feel triggered by the topics, I suggest you stop reading until you feel well. Seek for someone to support you, and look for your safe space.

I hope you all enjoy this story, and I am glad to be back.

ALSO: The last part of the chapter is a Grounding Technique, used in cases when you feel 'out of touch' from reality due to panic attacks, anxiety, flashbacks and others. It is designed as a coping strateg to help you get back in touch with the present.