Progressing Steadily Novels & Stories

Still growing. The way the argument had always grown. Quietly. Precisely. Forward.

she said softly before leaving the room, closing the door behind her. The space changed immediately. Quieter. More direct. Adrian’s attention returned fully to Ava, his voice lowering slightly, “You are aware that this situation is not stable,” he said. Ava nodded once. “Yes.” She raised her hands. “I know.” Adrian stepped closer, his tone more serious now, “Then why push it?” Ava looked at him. Then wrote slowly. Because staying the same is worse. The answer came without hesitation. Adrian absorbed that, his expression tightening slightly, “You think this is improvement,” he said.

Too steady. I held on.

Progress. Small, imperfect, hard-won progress. But progress nonetheless. TO BE CONTINUED...

No, none. It's a huge relief. I finally feel like I'm moving forward and making steady progress. The anxiety attacks were so frightening. Debilitating. The fact that I don't have any idea when one will strike only ramps up my fear. I'm constantly on edge, waiting for something to trigger one. "Hmmm. That's interesting. Are you using your breathing techniques when you begin to feel anxious?" "I do, and it helps calm me down. I'm always careful to stop when I start to feel agitated and mentally self-check. Lately, I've been feeling really good."

“You’re making good progress. I think we should continue the weekly meetings for now, but soon we’ll be able to move to twice a month.” “I’m glad you feel I’m making progress,” I said. “But I don’t feel like I am. Shouldn’t I be feeling my wolf by now? Shouldn’t there be some signs that this is working?” “The signs are subtle,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t even notice them.” “Is there anything else I can do to speed up the process?” “You said you’re exercising regularly, right?” I nodded. “Then you’re doing everything you can. There’s no reason to rush it. You’ll only make it harder on yourself if you’re impatient.”

Take your time. *I'll be in bay 3 if you need me.* Simple. Direct. No pressure. I type back: *Ready now.* The ride home is easier. My hands don't shake as much when I wrap them around Tristan's waist. I don't flinch when he leans into turns. My wolf purrs contentedly, enjoying the wind and the speed and the feeling of going somewhere together. Small victories, but victories nonetheless. *Progress,* my wolf says with satisfaction. *Slow but steady.*

their eagerness for my next command. My voice is steady. "We're proceeding with the plan."