The dark heart home

Khaat came bringing one large package that held three separate gifts. She saw the clear signs of postpartum depression as she approached Jessica. It was sometimes normal for women to experience it after delivery. Khaat had a severe migraine today, and she was hoping that with both of them not at their best, that the visit would still go well.

"Hey, Jess, " she said, putting the brightly wrapped package down in front of Jess, "I just brought you a gift for the twins. I see its an off day for you."

"Where's Jack?" Khaat asked, not liking what she saw. Jess just wasn't coping with this. And Khaat wanted to talk to Jack--before things got any worse. "This has gone on too long already, Jess. You know that. This has to stop. Now. Jack needs to know how much of a mess you are and what this is doing to you--and that you do not have to be this way. You can get help from St. Mungos if you don't want to feel this way."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Khaat said quietly, "You have 3 gorgeous children. Jack was rehired at the Wizengamot, and I'm sure the auror position is just a formality. You're Order members. You know how important it is to do a thorough housecleaning. And in order for it to be done right, everyone has to go and then be rehired, otherwise it becomes a political nightmare. Matt has absolutely no choice. You have a wonderful bookstore, so I just don't get why you think the world is against you."

"Yes. I know we do. We deal with postpartum depression all the time. Go stop by and see Daddy. I'm taking a few days off. His orders. He decided I was just too thin and he doesn't want me risking Abbey. I know you're going to laugh, but he actually snuck a medical leave slip with my name on it under my nose the other day. He stuck it in a stack of papers he said he needed me to sign. And I had such a terrible headache that I didn't pay one ounce of attention to what I was signing. He had appointed himself as my doctor, filled out the leave giving me at least 3 weeks off, and I cna't go back until he clears me. Isn't that just a kick? I'm the director and can't go back to my own hospital until I'm cleared. Now how wrong is that? Rob thought it was a stitch. He has me practically all to himself now. Well, almost."

"I'm fine," Khaat replied. "I did promise Rob I would try to give up the caffeine--just a little. I do want to make this work with him. And whatever he wants me to do, I will certainly try it. I'll do my best to make it work. And right now, what's important to him is making sure Abbey gets here safely. Well, its important to me too. Unfortunately, without Rob, I just didn't care if Abbey or I either one were here. I know that doesn't make sense, but now that he and I are trying to repair things, its a whole lot easier to want not only Abbey but myself too.

"I know that doesn't make much sense, but it seems my father has been fighting harder for Abbey than I have been able to. Until maybe now. So, I guess that's why I'm on leave. And I guess that's why I'm not fighting it. I do know its for the best. And it really is what not only I need, but Rob and I need it too. I want that time with him."