Ms. Hendrix: Thomas, what is that you have with you?

  Thomas: It’s a journal. I started it on Saturday.

  Ms. Hendrix: So why did you bring it today?

  Thomas: Sholomoh said it would be a good idea. With everything going on, he thought it’d be helpful to capture things while they’re fresh. So… that’s what I did.

  Ms. Hendrix: Do you have anything to share?

  Thomas: I’ll say this—wow. I don’t even know where to begin. It might be easier if you just read the first few pages.

  Thomas hands her the leather-bound journal. After a few minutes of reading, Ms. Hendrix looks up.

  Ms. Hendrix: Okay… I can see why you say wow.

  Thomas: I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Oh, almost forgot—I was asked to give you this. (He hands her a small card with updated contact information.)

  Ms. Hendrix: Thanks, I appreciate that. You know, ever since the awards ceremony, I’ve wanted to try something with you. Would you be open to a short visualization exercise?

  Thomas: Sure, okay.

  Ms. Hendrix: Great. Close your eyes. Now start counting down from ten, taking a deep breath between each count.

  Thomas counts down slowly, his breathing deepening. Ms. Hendrix watches his shoulders start to relax.

  Ms. Hendrix: Now, I want you to imagine you’re back at the awards ceremony. Can you see yourself sitting there between Wendy and Shoshana?

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  Thomas: Yeah… I can see the room.

  He begins describing the room in detail—lighting, colors, people, the smell of the tables.

  Ms. Hendrix: Now focus on the table itself. Can you tell me who was sitting there, from your left to your right?

  Thomas lists the names.

  Ms. Hendrix: Good. Now, just focus on the people sitting on either side of you. What were they doing during the ceremony?

  Thomas: They were holding my hands. Both Wendy and Shoshana.

  Ms. Hendrix: Keep your eyes closed. Just focus on that moment. On the feeling of their hands holding yours. Stay there a bit… stay in that feeling.

  She watches as his breathing slows, his posture softens, and a smile forms on his face.

  Ms. Hendrix: Now… hold that feeling. Describe it to me.

  Thomas: I don’t know if I have the words. I guess… it felt like comfort. And like… being wanted. I’m not sure how else to put it.

  Ms. Hendrix: That’s what I thought. So, if I read your journal right, you got to spend time with Shoshana the next day. How did that go?

  Thomas: I guess you could say… we came to an agreement that we’re interested in each other.

  Ms. Hendrix: And how are you feeling about Veronica?

  Thomas: I think we’re becoming friends. I’m pretty sure that’s where it’ll stay. But it’s nice. It’s different—not eating lunch alone. Being part of a group that actually wants me there.

  Ms. Hendrix: And how’s it going, living with the Mendelsons? I can see why Sholomoh recommended the journal—so much has happened in just a week.

  Thomas: Is it okay that I’m still figuring it out? Right now, if I had to put it in Greek terms, I feel like I made some god happy and good things are happening… but I’m just waiting to catch the eye of another one and feel the punishment.

  Ms. Hendrix: That’s a pretty insightful metaphor. I get it. But if things are good, let them be good for a while. Enjoy it. And speaking of Greek gods… I’ve been contacted by a few friends of Mr. Gold and Isaac Jacob. They’d like to follow up on how you’re doing. Would it be alright if I shared some broad outlines of our talks?

  Thomas: I guess so.

  Ms. Hendrix: It seems like you’ve got people rooting for you. Oh—have you started reading Summa Theologica yet?

  Thomas: Not yet, but I’ll start soon. I think the Mendelsons are giving me some time to settle in.

  Ms. Hendrix: I’m looking forward to hearing about your thoughts on it. And don’t worry about bringing your journal next week—but keep it up. If there’s anything you want to talk about, just highlight it and we can go through it together when you come in. See you next week, Thomas.