"I quit." I groan as I'm mopping the floor where the fourth drink was spilled.

Thomas throws his head back in laughter. "You say that everytime."

Six months ago I got accepted at the cinema and am now working with Thomas. I really like working here, except for cleaning up spilled drinks. The puddles will always be sticky, no matter how hard you scrub them off.

"Wait let me help." He takes the mop as I take the broom out of his hand. Now he's scrubbing that awfulness of a drink while I gather all the dropped popcorn on a small mountain.

Even though I'm only in therapy every three weeks and I don't have to pay much anymore I enjoy working here.

Sometimes me and Thomas try to sneak into the theater on our break, but only when there's enough space. Also it would be a lie if I said we never snacked from the food they're selling.

If take big amounts we do pay for it, though. Our manager is the nicest guy and we both are basically sure he knows and just doesn't says anything.

//°°\\

"You're really doing well, Hope." Cece smiled. It was very contagious and I was grinning as well.

Looking back I could really see my progress. I remember when Cece said it gets easier with each day but I didn't believe her. Now I do. It really got easier.

I wish I could just forget about everything that happened in that time, but that'd also mean forgetting about Thomas, forgetting about Becca. And I don't want that. I could never forget these two.

So even though I kinda hate who I was, I learned to accept myself. I made mistakes and I will make even more in the future, but I learned that that's okay.

I will be okay.

"I think we can move on to one session every four weeks, more like once a month." She declared. "Really? That's fantastic!"

It also meant I was doing better. I'm everything but healed but I'm on my way there. Our sessions really helped me. Cece talked with me about everything, from the beginning to now.

I'm glad I don't have to let her go yet. She's like a friend. (she won't ever admit that though.)

But even without her, I still have my people around me to help.

After consulting the details we said goodbye and I left. On my way out the lights flickered.

A wave of panic overcame me, but this time I could handle it. Looking around I made sure I knew I was safe and not back in that store. Not in the moment with the flickering lights. I was here.

I found my peace with it. Or mostly. And I do sometimes still fall back and panic, but I learned to get up. That it was okay. I just had to keep going. And I will.

I also found what I'd lost so long ago. Something very important.

Hope.