Amita and Larry sat wide-eyed as Charlie took a breath during his story. Larry's hand covered his mouth and Amita's eyes were watering. Charlie rubbed his face, "That's why I haven't been around lately."
Charlie sipped his coffee, thankful for the solitude that the hiking trail gave. He had invited Amita and Larry on a hike, wanting to share. He hadn't spoken to them in ages, and as his friends, they deserved to know. Larry took a deep breath, "Oh Charles... that's horrible. I can't even imagine."
"We don't know what to say," Amita continued, "We're here for you. We love you. You can share anything with us." Amita wiped her eyes, "You're incredible to have survived that."
Charlie nodded, still nervous to discuss the past few weeks, "That's what the group says. Terry reccomended me this group for men... they call us survivors."
"You are, Charles, in every sense of the word." Larry said.
Charlie looked up at them, smiling, his own eyes wet, "Thank you. For understanding, and being accepting. I mean, I've got a long way to go, but I'll be needing your friendships more and more each day."
Both Larry and Amita took one of Charlie's hands. Charlie continued, as if their hands were conduits for love and support. "Thomas was arrested that day. With the confession, and what little physical evidence there was, we built a case. He got in trouble for hitting Don. He's in jail. I left before the sentencing. I testified."
Charlie shivered at the memory, "He lost it in the middle of the precedings, and just started yelling at me. It was the most scared I have ever been. I'm sorry for getting so wrapped up in that life. I... I just couldn't see a way out once I was in."
Larry and Amita, again at a loss for words, leaned over and embraced Charlie. Charlie for the first time in weeks, was beginning to feel normal again and felt perhaps he could trust again. He was surrounded by those who wanted to love him, not hurt him. Everyone at one time in their lives must survive some traumatic event. Charlie had survived his and had a support system to embrace him, family.
the end