~Even more Complicated~

...PTSD...

She wasn't supposed to be comparing herself with the girls in novels or movies, this was real life.

She blinked away her tears and brought her hands in his but he flinched. More tears fell from her eyes but she immediately swallowed the bile in her throat and tried to stay strong. She just watched him as he kept mummuring something as he shuddered.

Ivan finally came with the first aid to treat his wounds. As he came in contact with Zach's hands, he jolted again.

Ivan looked up at Eshaal,"He did the same for me too", she forced a smile as it made a pang in her heart. "You can go, I-I'll take care of it. Just brief me on what I need to do". She said and Ivan looked between his boss and Eshaal.

"Are you sure?", He sighed.

Eshaal nodded not wanting to talk more. Ivan told her what she needed to do and also told her what happened before.

Eshaal was and wasn't surprised by the information. She had already suspected that he used to self harm.

"I'll stay with him. Don't worry", She told him with a nod.

"If boss goes all....".

"I'll make sure to call you", Eshaal completed as he got up from the floor and sigh.

"Good luck", he said and walked away.

Once Eshaal made sure he's out of the room. She stood up to lock the door behind him. She walked back to Zach, who still hadn't come out of his trance.

She sat beside him where his wrist was wounded and rested her head on the wall.

She immediately took out her phone and saw some missed calls from Sophia and Alek but ignored it. She put her phone on 'do not disturb' and played her favorite short surahs when she's distressed.

She first played Surah Fatiha, then Ikhlas. She cupped her hand in prayer as the reciter saod shuraim started.

Al faatiha.

Bismillahirrahmaanirahim-In the name of Allah the most beneficient, the most merciful.

Alhamdulillahirrabil 'aalamin- praise be to God, Lord of the worlds.

Arrahmaani rahim- the compassionate, the merciful.

Maaliki yaumiddin- Master of the day of judgement.

Iyyaaka na'abudu was iyyaaka nasta'in- You alone we worship and you alone we call for help.

Ihdinassiraatali mustakim- Guide us along the straight path.

Siraatalladhina An'amta 'aalayhim gayrilmagdhubi 'alayhik waladhallin- The path of those you have blessed and not if those with anger on them, nor misguided.

"Ameen", she said to herself and heard a whisper 'Ameen' coming from her left.

It was Zach. He had said an Aameen. He's eyes was closed with his head leaning on the wall. His Adam apple bopping.

The second surah started and she decided to try her luck with him, he didn't seem to be shaking anymore.

She gently took his hands in his. Seeing he didn't flinch. She smiled at her progress.

She started to clean the wound. His hand tensed and his veins popped out, she guessed it was cause of the sting.

Kul huallahu Ahad- "Say, He is God, The one". She said the meaning as she still dabbed the wound with dry blood.