RELIVING THE HORROR
LEAH’S COURAGEOUS MOVE
Since she arrived in our favourite coastal town some two decades ago, Leah (Ada Nicodemou) has certainly had more than her share of trauma and tragedy.
But everything the muchloved Summer Bay resident has faced over the years pales in comparison to the horror of being held hostage by the deranged Douglas.
Now safely back in the arms of her loving partner Justin (James Stewart), Leah has been suffering severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
And, until now, the Diner co-owner – who this week finds the strength to return to work – has refused to give a victim-impact statement.
“Leah has decided she simply can’t bring herself to rehash and relive everything,” says Ada. “She says that she just wants to move on with her life.”
It’s clear Leah is not able to do that, however, when a customer at the eatery calls her ‘sweetheart’. Suddenly, the usually calm and incontrol Leah flies into a rage, leaving everyone shocked by her outburst.
“So many things at the moment are triggering Leah to feel as though she is back at the house with Douglas just when she is starting to think she might be OK again,” explains Ada. “She has PTSD and is really struggling to cope. She keeps on having flashbacks.”
After her outburst, an emotional Leah has a rethink about not giving an official statement. Desperately wanting to move forward in her life – and with Colby (Tim Franklin) reiterating the fact he wants nothing more than to see justice served for her – Leah has a change of heart.
The next day, with Justin by her side, Leah bravely provides her statement to the Victim Services Officer. Opening up about her greatest fears and struggles, she admits her concern that she will never feel normal again.
“Leah needs space. She needs to breathe, and she needs to try and find out who she is again,” says Ada. “She also feels so lost and scared that she will not be able to get back to how she was before. She starts to think that she may never recover from the experience. She really is beginning to lose hope. It’s such a sensitive time.”
But what does Leah say next that shocks Justin to the core?