Healing Wounds

Weeks had passed since Pam's injury, and while her physical wounds had healed, the mental trauma still lingered. She would often wake up in the middle of the night, her heart racing, with the sound of gunfire echoing in her mind. Doug had been her rock, supporting her through the darkest moments, and she was grateful for his presence. As she returned to work, her colleagues were overjoyed to see her back. Mark and Susan, in particular, were relieved that she was okay, but they couldn't help but notice the change in her. She seemed more subdued, and her usual spark was missing. "Hey, Pam, we're glad to have you back," Mark said, as he walked into the office. "But we also want to make sure you're doing okay. That was a traumatic experience, and we don't want you to rush back into things if you're not ready." Pam smiled, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine, Mark. I just need to get back to normal. It's been a tough few weeks, but I'm managing." Susan nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "We're here for you, Pam. If you need to talk or take some time off, just let us know." Doug, who had been quietly observing the conversation, knew that Pam needed more than just a supportive work environment. She needed a break, a chance to escape the memories that haunted her. So, he had been planning a surprise, something that would take her mind off things and help her heal. One evening, as they were leaving work, Doug turned to Pam and said, "I've got a surprise for you. Pack a bag for a week, and meet me at the car." Pam's curiosity was piqued, but she didn't press the issue. She packed a small bag and met Doug at the car, where he handed her a pair of sunglasses. "Put these on," he said, with a mischievous grin. Pam raised an eyebrow but did as she was told. As she put on the sunglasses, Doug led her to a car that she didn't recognize. It was a sleek, black convertible, with the top down. "Where are we going?" Pam asked, her excitement growing. Doug smiled. "You'll see. Just enjoy the ride." As they drove away from the city, Pam felt a sense of freedom that she hadn't experienced in weeks. The wind in her hair, the sun on her face, and Doug by her side, she began to feel alive again. After a while, Doug turned off the main road and onto a smaller one, lined with trees and winding through a picturesque countryside. Pam's curiosity was growing, and she couldn't help but wonder what Doug had planned. As they drove up a hill, a beautiful lake came into view. Doug pulled over, and Pam gasped in amazement. There, in front of them, was a stunning cabin, perched on the lake's edge. "Welcome to our vacation home," Doug said, with a smile. "We're going to spend the next week here, just the two of us." Pam's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to Doug, her heart full of gratitude. "This is amazing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Doug took her hand, and they walked towards the cabin, ready to start their week of relaxation and healing. As they entered the cabin, Pam noticed a small note on the table. "What's this?" she asked, picking up the note. Doug smiled. "That's the surprise. Read it." The note read: "Pam, I want you to know that I'm here for you, always. This week, I want you to leave the past behind and focus on the present. I want you to heal, to find yourself again. And I want to be the one to help you do it. I love you." Pam's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Doug. She knew that this was exactly what she needed – a chance to heal, to find herself again, and to reconnect with the person she loved.