In the weeks following their anniversary, Alex's emotional struggles became increasingly evident to those who knew him best—his family. The trauma he had experienced during his time in the military, the scars he had carried with him, and the emotional barriers that had strained his relationship with Sarah were taking a toll on his well-being.

One sunny Sunday afternoon, Alex's parents, his older sister Emily, her husband Daniel and Alex himself gathered at the family home which is now the parent's new house in the island. It was an impromptu family gathering, driven by concern and the desire to help Alex confront the emotional turmoil he had been experiencing.

As they sat in the cozy living room, the air was thick with tension, a silence that spoke volumes about the difficult conversation they were about to have. Alex, aware of their concern, sat on the couch, his expression a mixture of apprehension and resignation.

His mother, Ellen, a warm and nurturing presence, finally broke the silence. "Alex, we've all noticed that you've been going through a tough time. It's clear that something is bothering you, something from your time in the military."

Alex looked down at his hands, unable to meet their gazes. The memories of war were still fresh in his mind, and he had never imagined having to share them with his family. "I'm okay, Mom. I'm dealing with it."

His father, Robert, a strong and supportive figure, leaned forward. "Son, we've seen the nightmares, the distant look in your eyes, and the way you've pulled away from those who care about you. We're worried about you, and we want to help."

Emily, who had always been a source of comfort for her younger brother, spoke next. "Alex, we love you, and we hate to see you in pain. We think it's time you seek help for what you've been through."

Daniel added his support. "There's no shame in asking for help, Alex. It takes strength to confront your demons and work through them. We just want you to be okay."

Tears welled up in Alex's eyes as he felt the weight of their concern and love. He had been carrying the burden of his trauma alone for so long, and the idea of opening up to his family about the emotional scars he had hidden was both terrifying and liberating.

Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, his voice trembling with vulnerability. "I appreciate your concern, and I love you all for it. But you have no idea what I've been through, what I've seen. It's not something I can just talk about and expect it to go away."

Ellen reached out and took his hand. "We may not understand, Alex, but we can support you through this. There are professionals who specialize in helping people like you, people who have been through trauma. It's not a sign of weakness to seek their guidance; it's a step toward healing."

Robert added, "Your mother and I have researched therapists and counselors who have experience with PTSD. We've found one who comes highly recommended, and we'll be there with you every step of the way."

For a moment, Alex felt a sense of hope and relief that he hadn't felt in a long time. He realized that his family's concern was a lifeline, an opportunity to finally confront the trauma he had buried for so long.

With tears in his eyes, he nodded. "Okay, I'll do it. I'll seek help."

The relief that washed over everyone in the room was palpable, a shared sense of triumph over the emotional barriers that had plagued Alex for years. It was a turning point in his journey of healing, a moment that would shape the future of his relationship with Sarah and his own well-being.

Once that was settled, the tension in the air loosened and conversations flowed freely amongst them.

"So" Emily started as she served herself rice from a dish and passed the dish to her husband to serve himself. They were having lunch. "How's Sarah? Everything going on great?" She asked as she ate a spoonful of rice.

"Yeah, everything is okay" Alex said nibbling on the plantain on his plate.

"Did she make up for the anniversary" she asked tentatively, watching Alex closely. But Alex just hummed in reply.

"Ohh, I love eventful make ups." Daniel said elated. "The party might really intense and make you tired but in the morning you get to make up for your amazing night you missed. Especially breakfast in bed." Daniel said rubbing Emily's back soothingly and he winked at her.

Emily gave her husband a weird look "That's not what we are talking about"

Daniel's brow furrowed in confusion "It's not?" Emily shook her head no. Daniel looked round the table and noticed everyone has stopped eating and is now looking at him, including Alex.

"Oh well, sorry. Wrong number" he said akwardly and Alex's parents rolled their eyes, knowing how playful their son-in-law is, while Alex continued his nibbling. His mother looked at him and saw the distant look in his eyes.

"Honey, Sarah told me about her international summit, she looked good with that placard." Ellen said still looking at him.

"Oh yeah, I am so proud of her." Emily said, mouth full with food.

"Me too and baby girl, don't talk with your mouth full. It's not pretty" Roberto said correcting his daughter and she apologized, her mouth still full with food which made Roberto shake his head.

"I am also proud of Sarah." Alex said focusing on his food, not wanting to be the center of attention but his mum has more in mind.

"You know, now that Sarah is pursuing her dreams, why don't you pursue yours?" Ellen said trying to get a reaction from Alex.

Daniel piped in "Yeah, like what you wanted to do before you enlisted."

"Like that bookstore business you've always wanted to own. You could start it now." Emily said as she sipped her drink.

"Or open a library with a tea shop inside. You've been around for a while and you know that there are elderlies that loves reading and don't joke with their tea. You could start from there." Roberto suggested and his wife nodded in agreement with him.

"I know it's been a year but I really don't know, I had anticipated doing that but now, I don't even know what I want. Sarah's the only reason that makes me feel alive. The trauma from the war stops me from doing anything even for myself." Alex said feeling worthless.

"Sweetie, I understand. Which is why you really need that therapy. Not just because of the people that care about you but for your own inner peace. Sarah has told me a lot of things you shared with her about your dreams but the trauma is stopping you from achieving all these goals. But since you can't open up to her or to us about what you've been through, then it's better to consult a professional. One who is good at his/her job and can relate with the trauma you're going through. Okay? Don't worry, you get past it. This is just a phase." Ellen consoled her son.

Alex smiled, grateful for his mother's support "Thanks mom, I won't let you down, I promise."

"Aw honey, you're welcome." His mother said, glad that her son understood what she meant.

"And just know that we are here for you. As you have Sarah, you have us" Daniel assured him and everyone agree with him making Alex happy and determined to get better and not let his family down.

In the days that followed, Alex began therapy with the recommended counselor, a seasoned professional who specialized in trauma and PTSD. The process was challenging, as he revisited the painful memories of his wartime experiences and the emotional scars they had left behind. Especially the bomb blast experience. The guilt he felt that he couldn't protect his men from the horrors that happened that day.

His family continued to be a source of support, attending therapy sessions with him and offering comfort and encouragement. It was a difficult path, one that required time, patience, and resilience, but Alex knew that it was a path he needed to walk in order to overcome the emotional barriers that had haunted him for so long.
The decision to seek help for his PTSD was a testament to his strength and his determination to heal.

It was a journey that would not only help him find peace within himself but also bridge the emotional gap in his relationship with Sarah, offering them a chance to rebuild the passionate and intense love they had shared.