Oh no. They shot her father dead in front of her. Now matter how bad he was, he was the only person she knew. It’s gonna be incredibly hard for her to start trusting someone. What a terrible beginning of her young life.
Oh wow! A wordless chapter. I had a feeling, though, that it would not end well for Jem. It was probably for the best though because he was so far gone. How do you come back from something like this?
This family is going to have its work cut out for them. This poor girl has been so abused and traumatized, and none of them are going to have any idea what they are getting into. It’s going to be really hard for Andy and Joey because their world is about to be turned upside down. Their parents are going to be so busy reacclamating Kara that they may feel unwanted and neglected. That won’t be intentional, but I can totally see them feeling that way. Plus, they may have resentment toward the sister that they don’t even know because of it. There are going to be lots and lots of rough days ahead.
Really, there’s no other way this could have ended with Jem.
You’re right about the family and the kind of work they have ahead of them. Kara knows nothing about the world, or her family. She’s never been to school, or even seen other children before. This is going to be intense for her.
Thank you so much. 😀 And, yeah, I couldn’t see any other way for this to go for him. I think you’re right that when Kara sees all the people who love her, it will help her adjust.
Only using pictures made such an impact! I think it works really well for serious moments like this. Especially love the last pic with the butterflies. Now to bring Kara home!
Thank you, Heather 🙂 I’m so glad you noticed the butterflies. I was so thrilled when I saw them flitting about again.
I’m also glad you liked that I only used pictures for this one. As I took them, I had a running dialogue in my head in hopes that would help the pictures make sense.
Wow, I wanted them to find Jem and Kara and bring him to justice. But not this way. He needed serious help, and I just feel sad for him. Sure he was absolutely crazy, but I don’t think he deserved death. His story was so incredibly sad. I hope that Kara can adjust to a normal life.
So I missed this post, with the answers I had been waiting for. Why did I miss it? Beats me! on here it says I am following you, you show up in the feed, notifications show enabled, but I know I didn’t get one THIS time, but all the other times before. Imma gonna blame Jem, since, you know, he didn’t know WTH he was doing half the time anyway and I am chronically innocent *cough cough*
Anyway – loved the chapter. No, not because of poor Jem. I still had a bit of hope that somehow he could be saved, but well – it is what it is. Really wondering about Miss Kara now. The next chapter should be epic, scary, confusing ….
Thank you so much. 🙂 I am glad you found the missing chapter! lol But, yes, let’s blame Jem. It seems like a good idea. 😀
I’m glad you liked the chapter. Jem’s ending was a shame; I thought that, too. As for Kara, all I can say is that I hope the next chapter is everything you hope it will be. ❤❤
Oh dear, what is going on with the reader? lol This chapter was wordless with several pics. The welcome to the cast was a pic of retired Det. Benson. lol Yes! She was rescued! 😀
Poor girl must be traumatized after all this… Sad to see Jem meet such a bad end, but it was for the best. Hopefully Kara will be able to heal and enjoy life after this
Thank you, Raymond. She is traumatized, you are right about that. It’s a good thing she has a good family waiting for her. I’m sure they’ll get her the appropriate help.
As for Jem, more will come out about his ending in the next chapter. I’m sad about his death, too.
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 You’re definitely right about that. Next week, the family will meet with retired Det. Benson who will tell them everything that happened.
its going to be emotional story from here, cant wait to see how you do this one. as this is going to be a difficult one to write. well, it is from my point of view.
thats one of the reasons I like to write more of a sci-fi comedy adventure. if they do die, I can always bring them back at a later date. but I suppose the trouble I have is having to do research for the “Technobabble” to explain how that happened
but its all good fun 🙂 and I’m sure your going to do great, you always excel with emotional story’s, something I’m only just learning.
you know you got me with this chapter, I couldn’t think of any song for it :/
so here one just for you, just some beautiful peaceful instrumental music, its very calming and relaxing 🙂 just what we need after a difficult day… https://youtu.be/Tlsev6ZepqE
Thank you so much, Darren 🙂 I think you’re right that it’s going to be pretty emotional as Kara finds out how huge the world is and that she has a family she never knew about. I’m kind of worried about writing what’s to come because I think it will be difficult, too.
I love how you write your sci-fi comedy adventure. 😀 It is tops! And I love how your characters can always come back, too.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I’m going to give it all I have and hopefully, it will turn out well. lol Fingers crossed.
Oh, and don’t worry, we’re all just learning. 🙂 🙂
That music is lovely! I really appreciate the link! Thank you, again.
Wow I was not expecting that! But apart of me thinks that he wanted to die from the moment his fiance died. 😕 Kara will definitely have a hard time now. I just hope she will recover well from the trauma. Awesome silent chapter! ❤
Thank you, Stormy 🙂 You are definitely on to something about Jem. More on that in the next chapter! 🙂 Kara has a long ways to go and it won’t be easy. Hopefully, she’ll have professionals around her that can help her cope.
I’m so sorry. Especially for Jem too.
But there was no light at the end of the tunnel for him and inside he knew.
It will be a long way for Kara and the family too, to cope with a trauma like that.
But there is still a little hope, that Bea will find the strength she needs, with Perry at her side.
I wonder, what Kara will feel for her father, when she’s grown up some day.
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m sorry for Jem, too. You’re on to something when you say “inside he knew” there was no light at the end of the tunnel. There will be more on that in the next chapter.
I’m glad you spoke about the hope there is because that is one thing that will help them through this. I think you’re right that Bea has a good chance of finding that strength with Perry at her side.
That’s a good question about what Kara will feel for her father as she grows up and learns more about what happened to her. It’s definitely an avenue that will be explored.
I have so much to say here. So sad Jem’s mental health went so far as to end in his death. I know I wanted Jem out of the picture, but what I wanted was true love for Bea. I never wanted him dead. Such trauma poor Kara has had in her life! Hopefully she gets appropriate and effective counseling to help aid her in a better life. If they were real people, I would pray for them both, in hopes that Jem has peace in death, while Kara gains peace in life. Bea will be out of her mind after hearing all that has happened this day and all the days before this. Bringing Kara back is not going to instantly heal her. Such a long road ahead for all.
I’m sad about Jem’s ending, too. In the next chapter, Det. Benson will talk to the family about how all that went down. Oh, yes, I totally see what you’re saying about Jem and what you wanted for Bea and Kara. I can understand that, for sure.
That is an awesome point about the type of care Kara will need. This will be vital in how the future looks for her.
I hope so I know how much the mind is fragile and how much we can become crazy very very easy. Of course they all need explanations because Jem death is so sudden, he has a gun as well .
That’s a good point about the mind being fragile. It’s true that Kara is in a fragile state as well. And, that is an excellent point about Jem having a gun. Explanations are on the way! 😀
I wait for , no worries. i caught up my french sims 4 story into english so I had work too lol.
Of course mind is extremely fragile, look at me I am under anxiolytics as millions of people other the world, some are treated for absolutely nothing severe. With what Kara lived she is in high risk to develop a mental disorder or unbalance.
Sometimes it’s not translation it’s an adaptation depends on what I wrote first. This isn’t really hard, I use dictionary when I don’t find a word and I always let it simple. I hope my few readers will like it I’ll be back at Miss V soon.
Yes she’ll need a lot of help with shrinks who really cares of her.
Yes!!! Good riddance! I can’t say that I’ll miss you Jem! Did I see him threatening his daughter with a gun right before the police found them?! 😡 It seems that he completely lost it over the years…
Poor Kara… I’m very worried now how she’s going to be able to fit into the family now that she’s spent so much time living like she did 😦 But I’m very excited to find out! 😀
Thank you, sempreviva 🙂 I can see why you’re glad Jem has met with a grisly end. lol I wish it could have been different for him, tbh, but it is what it is.
As for your question regarding the gun and Kara, in the next chapter, Bea and Perry will speak with Retired Detective Benson and find out how everything went down. Hopefully, all questions about this chapter will be answered. 🙂
Kara has a winding road in front of her, that’s so true. Everything she knows and has lived is a lie. She has a lot to come to terms with and I’m sure it will be overwhelming.
I can’t wait for you to see how this will all work out. 🙂
*gasp* Your first wordless chapter! Congrats lol. Man, it’s a shame it had to go down like that. Jem thought he was being valiant, but look where it got him. Kara is going to have such a difficult time with all this! First, the only person she’s basically ever known is dead. She’s being thrust into a world she didn’t know existed, furthermore, into a family she doesn’t know but loves her so much. I think I would be extremely overwhelmed by it all.
Thank you, Jess 🙂 Yes! I thought it was my second because I thought the Jilly/Leo crash was my first. But when I looked back at it, I realized I did write a police report.
I think it’s a shame about Jem, too. You’re right in that he thought what he was doing was valiant.
You’re probably right about Kara and how overwhelmed she’ll be. It’s going to take a while before she can establish trust with anyone after the way her father indoctrinated her.
Still, there’s always the hope she will live a full and satisfying life.
Since my mother suffered from severe mental illness, I don’t share the joy some have expressed of Jem’s demise. I only feel sadness for its impact on everyone but especially an innocent, who knew no better, but whose instinct was conveyed early on in the story. All this trauma for someone so young is never good. Tally it up and there’s a lot here for Kara to deal with, now and in the future. In a normal situation, PTSD is a given after effect. Love and hugs to Kara and everyone who will help in her healing.
Thank you, Jolie. 🙂 Sorry for my late response. We’re dealing with the flu here. Thankfully, I’m the caregiver and I don’t have it. 🙂
Honestly, I take no relish in Jem’s ending. I’m with you on that. In my mind, he had little control over the events that took place. Yes, he kidnapped Kara, but in his mind, he was protecting her and keeping her safe. He was desperate to make sure she wouldn’t suffer the way his fiance had.
I agree with what you say about PTSD. Kara was very frightened at times and her father convinced her everyone was out to get them and hurt them. Jem believed that wholeheartedly, so of course, it stands to reason, Kara would, too.
My biggest hope is to do this story justice, to write it the way it should be. Kara has a lot to work through. But if she’s able to, she can have a vibrant and full life.
With a loving family, she will. My family has just gone through a violent crime in the last few days, so we too, are working through a great deal. My cousin was shot this week. We don’t know the details as investigators are keeping all info close to the vest until they have solid leads and info to prosecute, so say a little prayer for us.
I’m heartbroken for Jem. And poor Kara has a lot of trauma and abuse to heal through.
I’d wished that Jem would somehow get the healing he needed, and now my wishes are that he’ll find forgiveness from all those he hurt so they can heal.
Thank you, CT. 🙂 I’m heartbroken for Jem, too. I think it would have been interesting to see him progress in a better way, coming to terms with his life and mental illness, etc. Unfortunately, in his downward spiral, not seeking help, I think he sank to a depth that couldn’t be dealt with otherwise. I’m very sad about it, honestly.
Kara has a lot to heal through, but if you notice, the last thing she saw on her way to the police cars was butterflies. I think there is a lot of hope for her. 🙂
Sometimes you don’t need word to convey a story. I like the way you set this up. Though poor, poor Kara is going to have a tough life from now on. Alas, I had a hard time seeing how things could have gone differently for Jem after he started losing it. Both happy and tough times are ahead for the family. I’m so excited for it all! 🙂
Thank you, Louise. 🙂 I’m excited, too. There’s so much to explore now with her return.
Let’s hope that although Kara went through this, she is resilient enough to heal and have a good life. Bea, I think, needs to find a way to work through the trauma she’s endured, too. I’m anxious to see how the boys deal with what Audrey described as “the ghost child’s return.” 😀
That was a great wordless chapter. Sometimes it’s hard to convey what happened. But there is no doubt here. Yay, she is rescued! And good riddance Jem. I am also sorry how it turned out for,him, but he and his family were always a little off. I never really liked them at all. I’m surprised that Holden (RIP 😭😭😭) didn’t sense something was off.
And now for the really rough part. Poor thing is damaged and it will be hard for her to easily assimilate and trust people. But she has the right set of parents to help her. But I also wonder what it will do to her half brothers. They may resent her because I’m sure she will get an inordinate amount of attention that will be taken away from from them…the ghost child has returned.
Thank you, Audrey. 🙂 I’m glad you thought this chapter conveyed everything even though it was wordless. As I was taking pics, I had a running narration going in my head about what was happening. So, I think that helped.
I’m sorry about how it turned out for Jem, too. And, you’re right that his family was always a little off. J.P. was pretty much hands off as far as parenting goes, Calpurnia was absent, and Jem was pushed into going to culinary school without much thought as to whether he wanted that or not. They were a mess. lol I think Ellie sensed more about them than Holden did, which is kind of weird. But, on the other hand, Holden put a lot of effort into ignoring his abilities in that regard.
Kara is going to have a rough time trying to figure out this strange world and what her place in it is, that’s true. I LOVE what you said about Andy and Joey and how the ghost child has returned. I think that’s an interesting aspect to explore as we move forward.
Just like that?! Oh, wow. I didn’t expect this to go so fast, and with no words needed! It’s sad that Jem had to die, but hopefully Kara can safely go home now. But she’ll have an emotional trauma nonetheless… Poor girl.
Thank you, Jowita. 🙂 Yeah, in retrospect, I should have had the kidnapping happen sooner in the generation. It all worked on paper to have Kara gone longer but when I realized how much time I should devote to her recovery, it seemed I should time jump. SIGH. lol
You’re right about the emotional trauma Kara will be dealing with. Luckily, she has a great family.
Thank you, CT. 🙂 In this situation, I was torn about the timing about this all. One concern I had was that Jem’s downward spiral needed to be shown as something that didn’t happen overnight. Also, we had to get to know Kara and Bea’s relationship because otherwise, I felt we might not care as much that this happened otherwise. Then, I wanted more focus on Kara’s recovery and how Bea and the family react to having her back. This has been difficult for me to plot out because there is so much I want to do with it. lol I appreciate what you all say about it. 😀
68 comments
Oh no. They shot her father dead in front of her. Now matter how bad he was, he was the only person she knew. It’s gonna be incredibly hard for her to start trusting someone. What a terrible beginning of her young life.
Thank you. 🙂 Yes, it’s so sad how it all turned out, and very traumatizing for Kara.
Oh wow! A wordless chapter. I had a feeling, though, that it would not end well for Jem. It was probably for the best though because he was so far gone. How do you come back from something like this?
This family is going to have its work cut out for them. This poor girl has been so abused and traumatized, and none of them are going to have any idea what they are getting into. It’s going to be really hard for Andy and Joey because their world is about to be turned upside down. Their parents are going to be so busy reacclamating Kara that they may feel unwanted and neglected. That won’t be intentional, but I can totally see them feeling that way. Plus, they may have resentment toward the sister that they don’t even know because of it. There are going to be lots and lots of rough days ahead.
Oh, yeah, it’s wordless! I’d forgotten already. 😀
Really, there’s no other way this could have ended with Jem.
You’re right about the family and the kind of work they have ahead of them. Kara knows nothing about the world, or her family. She’s never been to school, or even seen other children before. This is going to be intense for her.
Good riddance to Jem! Now hopefully Kara sees she has a wonderful supportive crew around her who will help her to recover.
Thank you so much. 😀 And, yeah, I couldn’t see any other way for this to go for him. I think you’re right that when Kara sees all the people who love her, it will help her adjust.
Only using pictures made such an impact! I think it works really well for serious moments like this. Especially love the last pic with the butterflies. Now to bring Kara home!
Thank you, Heather 🙂 I’m so glad you noticed the butterflies. I was so thrilled when I saw them flitting about again.
I’m also glad you liked that I only used pictures for this one. As I took them, I had a running dialogue in my head in hopes that would help the pictures make sense.
Wow, I wanted them to find Jem and Kara and bring him to justice. But not this way. He needed serious help, and I just feel sad for him. Sure he was absolutely crazy, but I don’t think he deserved death. His story was so incredibly sad. I hope that Kara can adjust to a normal life.
Thank you 🙂 I feel sad for Jem, too, honestly. He was really ill and I don’t think he deserved to die either. Let’s hope Kara can adjust.
This girl is going to have so much to work through 🙁 But I know her family will be there every step of the way.
Yes, it’s good she has a family who loves her and wants her home so much. I think it will be interesting to see how she progresses.
So I missed this post, with the answers I had been waiting for. Why did I miss it? Beats me! on here it says I am following you, you show up in the feed, notifications show enabled, but I know I didn’t get one THIS time, but all the other times before. Imma gonna blame Jem, since, you know, he didn’t know WTH he was doing half the time anyway and I am chronically innocent *cough cough*
Anyway – loved the chapter. No, not because of poor Jem. I still had a bit of hope that somehow he could be saved, but well – it is what it is. Really wondering about Miss Kara now. The next chapter should be epic, scary, confusing ….
Thank you so much. 🙂 I am glad you found the missing chapter! lol But, yes, let’s blame Jem. It seems like a good idea. 😀
I’m glad you liked the chapter. Jem’s ending was a shame; I thought that, too. As for Kara, all I can say is that I hope the next chapter is everything you hope it will be. ❤❤
Jem lives on in Kara, at least what was good about him. Hope she’ll bond with her mom
That’s such a good point. And, I hope she does, too. I think it will be hard at first, but at least there is a chance now.
Can’t see the story. Is it an image? My reader starts reading at ‘welcome to the cast’. I read the spoiler and at least i know the kid was rescued!
Oh dear, what is going on with the reader? lol This chapter was wordless with several pics. The welcome to the cast was a pic of retired Det. Benson. lol Yes! She was rescued! 😀
Poor girl must be traumatized after all this… Sad to see Jem meet such a bad end, but it was for the best. Hopefully Kara will be able to heal and enjoy life after this
Thank you, Raymond. She is traumatized, you are right about that. It’s a good thing she has a good family waiting for her. I’m sure they’ll get her the appropriate help.
As for Jem, more will come out about his ending in the next chapter. I’m sad about his death, too.
OH goodness … even tho he was not good it could still mess her up loosing him like this 🙁
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 You’re definitely right about that. Next week, the family will meet with retired Det. Benson who will tell them everything that happened.
cool idea Kymber 🙂 pictures with no words…
its going to be emotional story from here, cant wait to see how you do this one. as this is going to be a difficult one to write. well, it is from my point of view.
thats one of the reasons I like to write more of a sci-fi comedy adventure. if they do die, I can always bring them back at a later date. but I suppose the trouble I have is having to do research for the “Technobabble” to explain how that happened
but its all good fun 🙂 and I’m sure your going to do great, you always excel with emotional story’s, something I’m only just learning.
you know you got me with this chapter, I couldn’t think of any song for it :/
so here one just for you, just some beautiful peaceful instrumental music, its very calming and relaxing 🙂 just what we need after a difficult day… https://youtu.be/Tlsev6ZepqE
Thank you so much, Darren 🙂 I think you’re right that it’s going to be pretty emotional as Kara finds out how huge the world is and that she has a family she never knew about. I’m kind of worried about writing what’s to come because I think it will be difficult, too.
I love how you write your sci-fi comedy adventure. 😀 It is tops! And I love how your characters can always come back, too.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I’m going to give it all I have and hopefully, it will turn out well. lol Fingers crossed.
Oh, and don’t worry, we’re all just learning. 🙂 🙂
That music is lovely! I really appreciate the link! Thank you, again.
Wow I was not expecting that! But apart of me thinks that he wanted to die from the moment his fiance died. 😕 Kara will definitely have a hard time now. I just hope she will recover well from the trauma. Awesome silent chapter! ❤
Thank you, Stormy 🙂 You are definitely on to something about Jem. More on that in the next chapter! 🙂 Kara has a long ways to go and it won’t be easy. Hopefully, she’ll have professionals around her that can help her cope.
I’m so sorry. Especially for Jem too.
But there was no light at the end of the tunnel for him and inside he knew.
It will be a long way for Kara and the family too, to cope with a trauma like that.
But there is still a little hope, that Bea will find the strength she needs, with Perry at her side.
I wonder, what Kara will feel for her father, when she’s grown up some day.
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m sorry for Jem, too. You’re on to something when you say “inside he knew” there was no light at the end of the tunnel. There will be more on that in the next chapter.
I’m glad you spoke about the hope there is because that is one thing that will help them through this. I think you’re right that Bea has a good chance of finding that strength with Perry at her side.
That’s a good question about what Kara will feel for her father as she grows up and learns more about what happened to her. It’s definitely an avenue that will be explored.
I have so much to say here. So sad Jem’s mental health went so far as to end in his death. I know I wanted Jem out of the picture, but what I wanted was true love for Bea. I never wanted him dead. Such trauma poor Kara has had in her life! Hopefully she gets appropriate and effective counseling to help aid her in a better life. If they were real people, I would pray for them both, in hopes that Jem has peace in death, while Kara gains peace in life. Bea will be out of her mind after hearing all that has happened this day and all the days before this. Bringing Kara back is not going to instantly heal her. Such a long road ahead for all.
I’m sad about Jem’s ending, too. In the next chapter, Det. Benson will talk to the family about how all that went down. Oh, yes, I totally see what you’re saying about Jem and what you wanted for Bea and Kara. I can understand that, for sure.
That is an awesome point about the type of care Kara will need. This will be vital in how the future looks for her.
Jem was murdered omg and an other trauma for Kara.
In the next chapter, Det. Benson will explain to Bea and Perry how this all happened with Jem’s death.
Kara has a lot to deal with but she will have good people helping her cope.
I hope so I know how much the mind is fragile and how much we can become crazy very very easy. Of course they all need explanations because Jem death is so sudden, he has a gun as well .
That’s a good point about the mind being fragile. It’s true that Kara is in a fragile state as well. And, that is an excellent point about Jem having a gun. Explanations are on the way! 😀
I wait for , no worries. i caught up my french sims 4 story into english so I had work too lol.
Of course mind is extremely fragile, look at me I am under anxiolytics as millions of people other the world, some are treated for absolutely nothing severe. With what Kara lived she is in high risk to develop a mental disorder or unbalance.
Oh, yes, that’s quite true regarding Kara. Hopefully, she’ll have the proper help she needs.
That sounds like hard work, translating your story into English. I really admire that you do that.
Sometimes it’s not translation it’s an adaptation depends on what I wrote first. This isn’t really hard, I use dictionary when I don’t find a word and I always let it simple. I hope my few readers will like it I’ll be back at Miss V soon.
Yes she’ll need a lot of help with shrinks who really cares of her.
I know I’m excited Miss V will be back! 😀
I totally agree with you about Kara.
I really hope this time I will be happy with my story for good lol and I hope people will like it.
I hope you’re happy with it, too. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I love Miss V.
I am very glad you love Miss V she loves you too. I add some surprises so I hope they’ll work as I am a gameplayer .
Now, I’m getting excited to see what Miss V is up to! 😀
héhé me too even though I am the player/author.
I get excited to play and write, too. 😀
The gameplay learns me a lot of things that I could not imagine if I wrote my story from scratch and using poses all the time.
Yes, that is how I feel about it, too.
Yes!!! Good riddance! I can’t say that I’ll miss you Jem! Did I see him threatening his daughter with a gun right before the police found them?! 😡 It seems that he completely lost it over the years…
Poor Kara… I’m very worried now how she’s going to be able to fit into the family now that she’s spent so much time living like she did 😦 But I’m very excited to find out! 😀
Thank you, sempreviva 🙂 I can see why you’re glad Jem has met with a grisly end. lol I wish it could have been different for him, tbh, but it is what it is.
As for your question regarding the gun and Kara, in the next chapter, Bea and Perry will speak with Retired Detective Benson and find out how everything went down. Hopefully, all questions about this chapter will be answered. 🙂
Kara has a winding road in front of her, that’s so true. Everything she knows and has lived is a lie. She has a lot to come to terms with and I’m sure it will be overwhelming.
I can’t wait for you to see how this will all work out. 🙂
*gasp* Your first wordless chapter! Congrats lol. Man, it’s a shame it had to go down like that. Jem thought he was being valiant, but look where it got him. Kara is going to have such a difficult time with all this! First, the only person she’s basically ever known is dead. She’s being thrust into a world she didn’t know existed, furthermore, into a family she doesn’t know but loves her so much. I think I would be extremely overwhelmed by it all.
Thank you, Jess 🙂 Yes! I thought it was my second because I thought the Jilly/Leo crash was my first. But when I looked back at it, I realized I did write a police report.
I think it’s a shame about Jem, too. You’re right in that he thought what he was doing was valiant.
You’re probably right about Kara and how overwhelmed she’ll be. It’s going to take a while before she can establish trust with anyone after the way her father indoctrinated her.
Still, there’s always the hope she will live a full and satisfying life.
I really hope so. She sooooo deserves it.
She sure does. I’m on it! lol
Since my mother suffered from severe mental illness, I don’t share the joy some have expressed of Jem’s demise. I only feel sadness for its impact on everyone but especially an innocent, who knew no better, but whose instinct was conveyed early on in the story. All this trauma for someone so young is never good. Tally it up and there’s a lot here for Kara to deal with, now and in the future. In a normal situation, PTSD is a given after effect. Love and hugs to Kara and everyone who will help in her healing.
Thank you, Jolie. 🙂 Sorry for my late response. We’re dealing with the flu here. Thankfully, I’m the caregiver and I don’t have it. 🙂
Honestly, I take no relish in Jem’s ending. I’m with you on that. In my mind, he had little control over the events that took place. Yes, he kidnapped Kara, but in his mind, he was protecting her and keeping her safe. He was desperate to make sure she wouldn’t suffer the way his fiance had.
I agree with what you say about PTSD. Kara was very frightened at times and her father convinced her everyone was out to get them and hurt them. Jem believed that wholeheartedly, so of course, it stands to reason, Kara would, too.
My biggest hope is to do this story justice, to write it the way it should be. Kara has a lot to work through. But if she’s able to, she can have a vibrant and full life.
With a loving family, she will. My family has just gone through a violent crime in the last few days, so we too, are working through a great deal. My cousin was shot this week. We don’t know the details as investigators are keeping all info close to the vest until they have solid leads and info to prosecute, so say a little prayer for us.
How awful, Jolie. I’m so sorry to hear what you and yours have been through. My heart breaks for you. Praying for you all. ❤❤❤
Thank you. It is tough when someone dies senselessly.
I can only imagine. And you’re welcome. I’m happy to pray for you.
I’m heartbroken for Jem. And poor Kara has a lot of trauma and abuse to heal through.
I’d wished that Jem would somehow get the healing he needed, and now my wishes are that he’ll find forgiveness from all those he hurt so they can heal.
I’m really looking forward to the next arc!
Thank you, CT. 🙂 I’m heartbroken for Jem, too. I think it would have been interesting to see him progress in a better way, coming to terms with his life and mental illness, etc. Unfortunately, in his downward spiral, not seeking help, I think he sank to a depth that couldn’t be dealt with otherwise. I’m very sad about it, honestly.
Kara has a lot to heal through, but if you notice, the last thing she saw on her way to the police cars was butterflies. I think there is a lot of hope for her. 🙂
Sometimes you don’t need word to convey a story. I like the way you set this up. Though poor, poor Kara is going to have a tough life from now on. Alas, I had a hard time seeing how things could have gone differently for Jem after he started losing it. Both happy and tough times are ahead for the family. I’m so excited for it all! 🙂
Thank you, Louise. 🙂 I’m excited, too. There’s so much to explore now with her return.
Let’s hope that although Kara went through this, she is resilient enough to heal and have a good life. Bea, I think, needs to find a way to work through the trauma she’s endured, too. I’m anxious to see how the boys deal with what Audrey described as “the ghost child’s return.” 😀
That was a great wordless chapter. Sometimes it’s hard to convey what happened. But there is no doubt here. Yay, she is rescued! And good riddance Jem. I am also sorry how it turned out for,him, but he and his family were always a little off. I never really liked them at all. I’m surprised that Holden (RIP 😭😭😭) didn’t sense something was off.
And now for the really rough part. Poor thing is damaged and it will be hard for her to easily assimilate and trust people. But she has the right set of parents to help her. But I also wonder what it will do to her half brothers. They may resent her because I’m sure she will get an inordinate amount of attention that will be taken away from from them…the ghost child has returned.
Thank you, Audrey. 🙂 I’m glad you thought this chapter conveyed everything even though it was wordless. As I was taking pics, I had a running narration going in my head about what was happening. So, I think that helped.
I’m sorry about how it turned out for Jem, too. And, you’re right that his family was always a little off. J.P. was pretty much hands off as far as parenting goes, Calpurnia was absent, and Jem was pushed into going to culinary school without much thought as to whether he wanted that or not. They were a mess. lol I think Ellie sensed more about them than Holden did, which is kind of weird. But, on the other hand, Holden put a lot of effort into ignoring his abilities in that regard.
Kara is going to have a rough time trying to figure out this strange world and what her place in it is, that’s true. I LOVE what you said about Andy and Joey and how the ghost child has returned. I think that’s an interesting aspect to explore as we move forward.
Just like that?! Oh, wow. I didn’t expect this to go so fast, and with no words needed! It’s sad that Jem had to die, but hopefully Kara can safely go home now. But she’ll have an emotional trauma nonetheless… Poor girl.
Thank you, Jowita. 🙂 Yeah, in retrospect, I should have had the kidnapping happen sooner in the generation. It all worked on paper to have Kara gone longer but when I realized how much time I should devote to her recovery, it seemed I should time jump. SIGH. lol
You’re right about the emotional trauma Kara will be dealing with. Luckily, she has a great family.
I think your timing and pacing were perfect. Not typical, but so rich for development and psychological exploration!
Thank you, CT. 🙂 In this situation, I was torn about the timing about this all. One concern I had was that Jem’s downward spiral needed to be shown as something that didn’t happen overnight. Also, we had to get to know Kara and Bea’s relationship because otherwise, I felt we might not care as much that this happened otherwise. Then, I wanted more focus on Kara’s recovery and how Bea and the family react to having her back. This has been difficult for me to plot out because there is so much I want to do with it. lol I appreciate what you all say about it. 😀