Lindsay was living in a fearful state and she and her family took it hour by hour never knowing when she would have the next anxiety attack.
Stella stayed home now wanting to take care of her sister while Mac was working.
The guy who had killed their parents was behind bars now but that did not stop Lindsay´s nightmares and her fear. Both Mac and Stella knew that it would be a long time before Lindsay would be able to live a normal life again.
During a visit to the park on the weekend Mac noticed how fearful Lindsay really is. When Flora started to cry Lindsay started to go into full blown panic. She jumped and shrank back against Mac. „Lindsay it was only Flora who cried" Stella said.
When Lindsay did not react Mac shook her. „Lindsay look at me." After a few seconds Lindsay focused wild eyes on Mac while Stella was taking care of Flora.
Mac and Stella looked at each other and decided in a silent conversation that they would go home. Stella took Flora and Mac took Lindsay. „Lindsay we are going to go back home now" said Mac. Lindsay nodded at him slowly. Mac wrapped an arm around Lindsay and led her to the car.
As soon as they got home Mac took Lindsay and retired to the family-room with her. He wants to get her back to reality and wants to take her fear away. „Lindsay I know that you are scared and that you are going through a horrible time. He is behind bars and he cannot hurt you anymore." Lindsay nodded and looked up at him. „Am I ever going to be able to live a normal life again?"
Mac nodded at her. „You will Lindsay in time. Patience honey. Stella and I are going to do everything we can to help. Just give yourself some time." Lindsay nodded wordlessly. „Why don´t you try to get some rest" said Mac.
While Lindsay was sleeping Mac took care of Stella. Stella was in the kitchen with Flora. „Stella" Mac said while entering the kitchen. Stella turned around and looked at Mac with worry. „Lindsay is sleeping now and you have nothing to worry about. She is scared at the moment but with our love, support and patience she will be the old one again soon."
„I just hope you are right Mac. She deserves to he happy" said Stella while walking around the kitchen island to stand in front of Mac.
Mac took her hands in his. Stella looked at him and in her eyes he could see worry and fear. Fear for her sister and her sister´s health. „Let us hope that she gets the rest she needs Mac" said Stella turning to tend to Flora.
Both Mac and Stella knew that it would take a lot of time and a lot of patience and support to help Lindsay to get back to a normal life. Their main goal is to give her the confidence back that she would need to be able to return to the work in the lab. They also knew that they could not expect wonders in the near future after having lived through once already for the duration of almost three years.
Mac knew that Lindsay needed to go back to therapy even if she hated and despised but she needed someone from the outside to talk to. Some neutral and objective to talk to. A Person who helps people in her state on a daily basis and who is able to help her conquer her fear and anxiety.
Lindsay had to be convinced that she would need help from the outside because Mac knew that he and Stella could only do so much.
Mac and Stella knew that Lindsay needed professional help again to be able to overcome her trauma and to be able to start living the life that she should be living. At the moment Lindsay was totally focused on Stella and him and he knew that he should not change it during the next few weeks until she was at least a little bit stable.