Second 👻 Story [Anonymous Text]

[hashtagafreakingghost]

[For the past few days, all Ashley's done is try to figure out how to get the PokéConnect anonymous. It'd been an idea in the back of her mind for a week or so and then- well, it became an urge and now here she is.]

I need to ask for some advice.
This might also turn out to be a moral question, maybe? I'm playing by ear.

The scenario:
You take part in something careless and thoughtlessly cruel. A tragedy occurs. One that costs lives. You've accidentally hurt a dear, close friend.
That friend then methodically and maliciously plans and carries out revenge that inadvertently puts your life, the lives of your friends, and their own life in danger.
What the hell do you do?
Is it right to be pissed when it's your fault it all happened?
IS it really your fault?
What's worse, a horrible accident or a plot purposely designed to hurt others?
How would you try to move forward?
How would you try to forgive yourself?
Do you deserve to?

Consider this a moral quandary if you will. I'd just really like some advice. Some opinions.

Comments

[hashtagafreakingghost]

One of those, yes. I'll consider it. When she's older.

Someone I've talked to says it sounds like PTSD. Flashbacks. Specific things mentioned putting me into a state of panic or fear. The inability to feel safe at any given time. The inability to sleep without nightmares, unless it's with help from a Munna.
Is that the something you're used to?

[ratherbelocky]

I was a soldier, back in the day. PTSD and I are old buddies at this point.

I'm not qualified to give you the kind of therapy you need if that's what you're going through, but I got a couple tricks to offer for some of the day to day difficulties. If you had to pick one thing, what would you say's hardest for you to handle right now?

[hashtagafreakingghost]

The flashbacks I think?
They're the hardest to cope with at any given time. I hate feeling like I'm back there.

[ratherbelocky]

Those do get less frequent over time, at least. Remembering that helps.

If you realize you're in the middle of one, you gotta remind yourself that it is a flashback, and that whatever happened, you already got through it. Deep breaths are better than shallow ones, they'll help you calm down. And don't close your eyes or try to block it out. Instead, try to focus on what's really around you, like how many different colors you can count in the room or how something really cold feels in your hand. I like to make coffee, the smell brings me back to here instead of there.

[hashtagafreakingghost]

I knew about the breathing but keeping your eyes open really helps? I usually try to block everything out.
And that's likely my problem I suppose.
I hope it'll work the next time one happens.

[ratherbelocky]

It takes practice. But yeah, grounding yourself in the real world can help alleviate the feeling of being back there.

Try practicing it when you're calm, beforehand. It'll make it easier to remember how to do it when the flashback does come, so you're not struggling to do something for the first time in the middle of all that.

[hashtagafreakingghost]

Thank you.
This will hopefully help in the future. Having specific techniques and ideas is comforting, though. I like making plans.

[ratherbelocky]

Same. I always like to have a course of action ahead of me. Or several, once the first goes pear-shaped.

Think that's enough for you to chew on for now? I'd offer my number for any questions you might have later, but I'm all right being a ship passing in the night, too.

[hashtagafreakingghost]

Yes, I've got a lot to think about already, so I think that's enough for now. I wouldn't want to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable, disclosing your identity I mean.

[ratherbelocky]

It takes a lot to make someone my age uncomfortable. I just figured sometimes these things are easier when both parties are wearing the ol' paper bag.

[hashtagafreakingghost]

That is true.
But, is there anywhere I can contact you about that idea you mentioned?
The spare PokeGear? Because I think that has a lot of merit.

[ratherbelocky]

Yeah, I'm gonna look into that, play around with what's possible or not. If it ends up working out, I'll make a post with it and slide the word "foxtrot" in there so you know it's me. Sound good?

[hashtagafreakingghost]

A codeword. That sounds wonderful, yes. Thank you for all of this. Not just the advice, but the future plans.

[ratherbelocky]

Hey. You're welcome. Take care now.