Chapter 4 Post-traumatic stress disorder

Emily felt like she was going to start a new journey of her life.

Emily saw her mother soundly sleeping , she went over to her mother and touched her head lovingly, she did it carefully afraid she might wake her mother up.

Emily stood up and took a deep breath she felt somewhat relieved... Emily walked downstairs, She was welcomed by Josie's parents.

"Good morning Emily, how are you feeling now? Come have some breakfast." Josie's mother, Chris said with concern.

Chris was a cheerful lady.. always smiling. In Emily's opinion: 'where ever Chris went she spreads happiness' Emily was fond of Chris because of her beautiful character.

"Good morning Aunty, thank you very much. I know I have caused you too much trouble. Please give me sometime I will find a way for me and mom." Emily said smiling back at Chris.

Micheal who was reading newspaper, folded the newspaper and looked at Emily. "Oh my child, you are just sixteen and you are thinking so much".

Micheal came near Emily and continued, " you don't have to worry about anything, you are just like my daughter, you can stay here with your mother."

Emily had tears in her eyes, " thank you very much uncle, this means a lot. " Emily didn't have any other option , she had never learnt to live alone, she thought she was still too week to survive the world alone. 'Emily promised herself : 'hereafter I have to learn to be self dependent.'

Emily remembered something and she turned to Micheal; 'Uncle have you started the investigation?'

'Yes I have informed my people.' We will get to it's root soon.' Micheal replied.

Emily had her breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Micheal. After breakfast Emily went to wake her mom up, they had to go to hospital. Emily got her mom's breakfast ready and took it to the room, she fed her mom and got her dressed nicely. Once she was done, Emily took her mom downstairs.

By the time Emily went down, Josie also wokeup, and was ready to go to hospital with them.

"Hey Josie, you are up early today?" Emily gave a slight smile.

Josie , while smiling back at her: "Anything for my dear friend."

Emily took her mom and went with Josie and her parents to the hospital. All tests were done, and everyone was waiting for the results outside the ward while Elizabeth had been admitted to the hospital.

Doctors recommended her admitting for further checking.

A nurse came with a report which had the results. She told Emily, the doctor wanted to talk to them. Only Emily and Josie's mom Chris went to the consulting room.

Emily sat nervously waiting for the doctor to say:' don't worry all is fine , she is perfectly alright.'

"Your mom is affected with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.

Most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger."

The doctor explained patiently about Elizabeth's disorder.

There was a sense of relief within Emily, she repeated doctor's words: 'Most people recover naturally'. She believed her mom will be fine soon.

"Every week we will check on your mother, let's hope for the best. There are some tests still remaining, Mrs. Elizabeth will be under observation for next two days." the doctor suggested.

"Thank you doctor". Elizabeth thanked the doctor, once they were out of consultation room, Josie and Micheal were waiting for them.

"Aunty , Josie, I will be staying here in the hospital with mom, you can go home and come tomorrow , anyways they are allowing only one person to stay with the patient." Emily said.

"Alright Emily, I'll go get the things that are needed for you and aunty." Josie smiled

Josie wanted to ask what's wrong with Mrs. Elizabeth. But she held her curiosity, she thought she will go home and ask her mom.

Josie and her parents left the hospital, only Emily stood alone in the hospital corridor, lost in her thoughts.

Someone tapped her from behind. "Excuse me you are standing on the way". Emily turned and looked at the person, he was a handsome boy, but looked like he was in hurry.

"I am sorry." Emily moved aside , by the time she finished her sentence the boy was already far ahead.

Emily then took a deep breath to relax herself, and walked towards her mother's room.

She saw her mother was awake but there was no sign for her talking or communicating with others. She didn't even turn and look at Emily when Emily entered the room.

Emily went and sat next to her mom. "Mom do you need apple? Or anything to drink? Mom are you hungry? Mom please talk to me. Please mom I can't see you like this mom , please mom talk to me . I am Emily mom, Emily please scold me , ask me anything mom". Emily sobbed. Tears welled from Emily's eyes.

Emily woke up by the sound of the door, she didn't know how long has she been sleeping.

"Hello doctor" Emily greeted the doctor.

Doctor also smiled at Emily. "How are you feeling Emily? You should be strong to look after your mom.

Emily thought that the doctor was very kind hearted. "Thank you doctor, I am fine."

"We are here to do checkup , please stay outside the room for a while." doctor said to Emily.

Emily nodded her head and stood up, there were 3 nurses and a doctor. Emily stood outside the room and kept peeping inside from the small glass door.

After fifteen minutes the doctor came out. "Mrs. Elizabeth is all fine, there is no injuries is shown in her brain, she will recover soon". The doctor told Emily.