Chapter 04: Peter's custody transfer to Uncle Ben

Peter sat near the bathroom door, resting his head in his hands until he felt a sticky liquid emanating from the bathroom. Looking down, he was shocked by the amount of blood on the floor. Horror overcame him, and he began pounding on the door, screaming hysterically.

Peter: Nooooo, Mom, open the door! What happened? Why won't you answer me?

He looked under the bathroom door to find his mother lying on the floor, holding scissors in her hand. Realizing that his mother had committed suicide, he fainted from the shock.

Peter slowly opened his eyes to find his aunt May and uncle Ben, along with three strangers - one of them a doctor and the others police officers.

May: Peter, are you okay?

Peter: Where is my mom? Is she okay?

May: I'm sorry, your mother is gone.

Peter: You're lying! I can't believe you. Uncle Ben, please tell me Aunt May is joking with me.

Ben (with a sad look): I'm sorry, son.

Peter entered a hysterical state of crying and screaming, removing the IV tube, attempting to get up but collapsing due to his weakened state. Aunt May tried to calm him, but it was futile. The doctor injected him with a sedative to make him sleep.

Doctor: When he wakes up, he'll feel better.

James (the police officer): He needs to tell us what happened at his parents' house.

Doctor: It's better not to ask him about that now; he's still a child and won't be able to accept it quickly.

James (Police Officer): Do you think Peter can explain to us what happened in his parents' home?

Doctor: At the moment, he shouldn't bear that burden. He's still a child, and the details might be too difficult for him. We need to give him time to overcome this shock.

James: But we need to understand what happened.

Doctor: Peter will need emotional support and psychological assistance during this tough period. Thanks to the relatives here, they'll play a crucial role in providing support.

May: Do you think he'll be able to talk later?

Doctor: Yes, when he's more rational and regains some mental strength. If there's anything that can help, family support and professional assistance will be crucial.

Ben: We'll wait until he's ready. For now, how can we help him?

Doctor: Simply offering emotional support and being there for him will make a difference. He needs time to cope with the loss. I believe coordinating with children's mental support services is essential.

May: We'll do what we can. Thank you for your support.

Doctor: Please, I'm here for any assistance. We'll continue monitoring his condition and ensure he receives the necessary care.

James (angry): I don't care about all that; I just want to know what happened in the Parker family home.

Ben: Are you crazy? I won't let you do that until he improves.

James: I don't care about all this. I only care about finding out what happened in the Parker family home.

May: What nonsense are you saying? His parents were like family to us. I won't allow you to say such things.

Doctor: Please, leave. This is not the right place for all these discussions.

After several days, Peter left the hospital and moved in with his uncle Ben and aunt May. He refrained from eating, speaking, and going anywhere. He always sat in his room, plagued by insomnia and haunted by nightmares of that fateful night.

May: If Peter remains like this, he'll die.

Ben: What should we do for him, May? I'm lost here.

May: I think we should take him to a psychologist.

Ben: Good idea. I'll do that tomorrow.

The next day, Uncle Ben informed Peter that they needed to see a doctor, but the child didn't want to leave his room. So, Uncle Ben decided to bring the psychologist to the house.

Uncle Ben entered the room with the psychologist, finding Peter lying on his bed. As the psychologist observed Peter, the boy sat up, and upon seeing the doctor, he sat on the chair.

Psychologist: Hello, Peter. How are you? I'm Dr. Ashley, and I'm here to help you.

Peter didn't respond.

Psychologist: I'll be your favorite friend from now on. You can tell me anything you want without hesitation.

Peter still didn't answer, but this time he nodded slightly in agreement.

Psychologist: I won't force you to talk. I'll come back another time. Here, have this sweet.

Peter smiled faintly upon hearing the word "friend" and took the candy. The psychologist left the room, closing the door, and found Uncle Ben and Aunt May waiting.

May: What happened? Did Peter tell you anything?

Psychologist: Unfortunately, he didn't tell me anything. But it's normal. The child has just lost the two closest people to him.

Ben: Will you come back?

Psychologist: Of course, I'll come back. I'm here to help him.

May: Thank you so much, Dr. Ashley.

Psychologist: No need for thanks. It's my duty.

The next day, nothing changed. Peter remained the same—unresponsive, sleepless, and unwilling to eat or speak.

In the evening, the psychologist returned and went to Peter's room.

Psychologist: How are you today, my friend?

Peter: ...

Psychologist: I told you before that I'd be your friend and help you. Isn't that right?

Peter moved his head as if agreeing with the psychologist.

Psychologist: I can't help you if I don't know what happened that morning. Please tell me. It will stay between us.

Finally, Peter spoke, his voice low and hesitant, like a child learning to talk for the first time.

Peter: But you won't believe me.

The psychologist felt joy hearing Peter's voice for the first time.

Psychologist: I promise I'll believe you. Tell me everything.

Peter: Okay, I'll tell you, but don't tell anyone because they won't believe me.

Psychologist (astonished): I promise, I won't tell anyone.

Peter: My dad got bitten by a dog while defending me. After that, something strange happened to him. He tried to attack me, and to protect myself, my mom stabbed him. Then my mom asked me to get her coat because she was cold, and when I came back, I found her lying on the floor.

The psychologist was shocked by what he heard and couldn't utter a word.

Peter: That's all that happened. Do you believe me?

Psychologist (stunned): Yes, I believe you.

Peter: Please, I want to be alone now.

Psychologist: Okay, I'll leave. Take care, my friend.

The psychologist left the room, still astonished. Uncle Ben asked the doctor to go with him to the police station to inform the officer in charge of the case about what Peter had revealed.

Meanwhile, Aunt May returned to Peter's room to check on him.

May: My dear, how are you?

Peter: I'm not okay. I miss my mom and dad.

May: I'm so sorry, dear. I'm truly sorry.

Aunt May felt deep sorrow for the child and slept beside him, embracing him for comfort.