Posted by Civilian Rafael Torres (Resident) in Reaching Out When Instinct Says Not To

Posted by Commander Janusz Korczak (Counselor) in Reaching Out When Instinct Says Not To

Posted by Civilian Rafael Torres (Resident) in Reaching Out When Instinct Says Not To
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Korczak spoke up and said “Mr. Torres, you should be very proud of your son. It is a significant milestone in the recovery process to be able to identify that something may be more than one can handle. It’s even more significant when that realization is coupled with a desire to seek assistance. Your son has done both.”

Korczak, Counselor

Damian smiled, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “He was always stronger and more capable than he believed,” he said before turning his attention to his son. “Raf, talk to me. You know you always can. No matter what.”

Raf wrung his hands and dropped his head. “I hurt you. You can’t deny it. It hurts you when I… when I mess up, when I can’t keep it together.”

They were not a family that spoke of emotions on the regular, but it was not like they had never had heart-to-hearts. But Raf had been so distant for so long that Damian wasn’t quite sure how to begin again. Maybe that was the answer though- just… begin. “It hurts to see your child in pain and know you can’t fix it, you can’t take it away. You might be long-grown now, Rafael, but you’re still my child, you’re still my boy. I’m never going to stop caring what happens to you.”

Tears slipped from his eyes and dropped in his lap as he kept his eyes fixed on the floor, unsure how to respond.

Rafael Torres, Resident

Korczak remained silent. Now want the time to push. Rafael was on the crux of finding some much needed confidence… and some stable footing in a constantly shifting life. If he could push through here, his chances of staying sober would grow exponentially.

Korczak, Counselor

Silence filled the room and Raf continued to stare at the floor. “I know you care, but that doesn’t mean that…” He shook his head.

“Raf… what is it?”

Rafael lifted his head, steely determination filling his eyes as he gazed at his father. “You deserve better. You always have. I’m just like her and that’s not fair to you.”

Damian’s mouth dropped open slightly as he realized what his son was saying and was honestly lost for words.

Rafael Torres, Resident

Korczak looked at Damian and said “Mr. Torres, who is he referring to? And do you agree with his perspective?”

Korczak, Counselor

Damian took a moment to gather himself and appraise the despondent demeanour of his son. After a moment he looked at Korczak. “He’s talking about his mother, Tamara. She… had her own troubles. Also struggled with addiction. She left when Raf was four.” He sighed. “You have to understand that we were young. Teenagers. With her other issues, being a mother was… too hard. But she did leave and we have no idea where she is now, or if she’s even alive.” He looked at Rafael. “But Rafael is not like Tamara. He always finds his way, even if it takes him awhile and involves some pain.”

Raf just snorted and shook his head.

Rafael Torres, Resident

Korczak nodded slightly in understanding. “I see.” he said. He then looked at Rafael and said “Tell me why you think you are like your mother, Rafael. But tell me without the addiction factor.”

Korczak, Counselor

Raf was silent for several moments before he found the words that might make even a bit of sense. I’m not reliable. I can try for a time, but inevitably I will screw it up.”

Rafael Torres, Resident

Korczak looked at the man a moment and then said “Does that make you like your mother… or does that make you human?”

Korczak, Counselor