Fulfilling a Need
Grooming, Stage 3
At this stage, the abuser begins to meet specific emotional or practical needs the victim may have. This could include giving gifts, providing emotional support, offering advice, mentoring or creating a sense of belonging. The victim may start to rely on the abuser for comfort or validation. This dependency strengthens the bond and makes it harder for the victim to question the relationship.
Closer
Fulfilling a Need (External View) · Oil on Canvas
Another musical instrument lesson at school resonates from the practice room.
Distant repetitive lyrical phrases, scales and apegios permeate through the walls reaching out into the empty corridors. The others are learning French verbs or about the periodic table.
The music stops and starts.
Sometimes learning requires a closer look.
Nobody thought anything of it.
Why would they?
It was only a music lesson.
In the Zone (Body Heat Map)
Fulfilling a Need (Internal Perspective) · Oil on Canvas
I was absolutely loving the music.
By this point I was learning the saxophone too. I practised constantly and could feel myself improving. It was challenging, but satisfying when things finally clicked into place.
With his connections, he helped my mum secure a discount on a shiny new alto saxophone. I remember the joy of discovering that I could almost instantly adapt and play favourite pieces, creating a whole new sound.
I successfully auditioned for the city's schools' wind orchestra.
Everything seemed to be moving forward.
Music had become my thing.
At home, things felt less certain. My parents were separating and I didn't really understand what was happening or what the future would look like.
But when I was playing music, none of that seemed to matter quite so much.
He encouraged me, listened to me and made me laugh at a time when I needed it most.