“Good afternoon, Kane,” Ann says smiling as she gestures for the man to come inside her office. “Been sleeping well?”
“Yes, I’ve been sleeping fine,” Kane replies smiling as he sits down on the couch opposite Ann.
“So, the pills helped huh?” the man looks at Ann confused for a moment, and then she continues. “You came in a few days ago and asked for some sleeping pills remember?”
“Yes,” Kane lies unconvincingly as Ann takes notice of this.
“You came in here seemingly disturbed and rushed out before we could talk about anything,” Ann says. “Would you like to share what was going through your mind then?”
“No,” Kane says as his expression slowly turns horrid. “You gave me sleeping pills?”
“Yes,” Ann says. Kane has never behaved like this; he usually comes in for things like insomnia among other things. He was abused by his family as a child and has been seeking therapy to recover.
“I was not feeling well that day,” Kane says unable to shake off the expression of fear slowly creeping onto his face. “I guess I must have forgotten about it,” he says smiling for just a brief moment before giving into a sinister feeling
“You want to talk about it?” Ann asks, now growing concerned.
“Not really,” Kane replies trying to regain his composure. “I’m sorry if I was rude though.”
Kane was a man who wanted to better himself, he always wanted to hear the truth no matter how bitter. He was a well-mannered individual and would never enter a room without permission, but last time he just barged in and sat down. He didn’t bother sharing his issues and just demanded sleeping pills. He just kept avoiding questions and after the prescription was written he ran out without saying even a thank you. Right now, Kane looks nervous and he’s trying to explain himself the best way he can, but he is unable to find the right words. Not wanting to push him, Ann decides to leave it alone and continues with a normal session.
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“Thank you, doc,” Kane says after the session. Ann cannot shake off the feeling that something’s wrong but she knows Kane will tell her if something is bothering him. She doesn’t think too much of it and continues with her day.
That evening as she returns home, she finds Andrew now taking a break from studying.
“How’s it going,” Ann says.
“Good,” Andrew says smiling. “I think I’m good with accounts, this course is helping me polish some skills. Though I don’t think I’ll be getting some high-paying job with this.”
“That’s ok,” Ann replies smiling. “It’ll take some time. But how are you feeling?”
“Better,” Andrew says letting out a chuckle. “You always ask me that the minute you get home.”
“That’s because of your injury,” Ann replies. “I know you’re healing but it’s important to monitor your health.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m not allowed out of the house,” Andrew says. “It really wasn’t Ben’s fault I swear.” Andrew has noticed a certain distance between the couple following that incident. He blames himself for their problem but doesn’t realize the real reason.
“I know,” Ann replies and lets out a sigh. “It’s just that you cannot afford more hits to the head right now.” Ann had returned home one day to find Andrew wanting to get a job. Though that was a good sign the fact that he wanted to work in a construction site worried everyone including Ben. Andrews has been very clumsy around the house and the damage he can do to himself around dangerous equipment was horrifying to think about. “You can start looking for work next week.”
“Must I wait that long?” Andrew asks disappointed.
“It’s for the best,” Ann says. ‘By that time, his would be healed better and even if he gets hurt it won’t be that bad,’ Ann thinks. Ann looks around the apartment, Ben isn’t home yet and she remembers that has to pick up groceries first. Ann now sees the perfect opportunity, but she is also anxious about what will be the result of that opportunity.
“Andrew,” Ann says in a deep and heavy voice. “There is something I have to talk to you about.”
“What is it?” the clueless Andrew asks. Ann sits down next to him and he looks at her examining her strong expression.
“I’m afraid we haven’t been completely honest with you,” Ann says after a small pause. “When you first fainted at our door that day, you reminded us of someone, someone we knew.”
“What do you mean?” Andrew asks now worried and though Ann is hesitant for a moment, she knows it’s better she tells him before anyone else does.
“Nicholas, my ex-boyfriend.”