“Let me get this straight, because a lot seems to have happened since I last saw you.
- You attended Rosh Ha-Shanah.
- You had the emotional moment I suspected you would.
- You got kissed by the girl you liked.
- And then you walk in wearing a hat that marks you as a probationary member of the SBSO.
Did I miss anything? Did you save someone’s life? Deliver a baby?”
Thomas:
“No, neither of those. But… I did help someone who had a downed electrical line in their yard. Got their power restored and the fridge fixed in one evening. With some help.”
(beat)
“Oh—how did you even know about the kiss?”
Ms. Hendrix:
“I got it straight from an eyewitness.”
Thomas:
“So Isaac Jacob told you. Was he just giving you a heads-up? Or is there more to it?”
Ms. Hendrix:
“It was professional information about you. The fact that it was so public tells me a lot.
So tell me—was your emotional reaction caused by one thing? Or a series of things?”
Thomas:
“I’m pretty sure it was a series of things. I’ve been thinking about it. The whole experience was overwhelming. Not just the service. Not just being with Shoshana. It was… how everyone treated me.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Ms. Hendrix:
“Like you belonged. Like you were part of them. Like family.”
Thomas:
“…I see he included those questions in my journal. I didn’t mean for the whole world to see them. But once everything hit me, all I could do was sit there and let the feelings wash through.”
Ms. Hendrix:
“And how did Shoshana and her sister make you feel?”
Thomas:
“With Shoshana, it felt like we were connecting on a deeper level. Tamar… she made me feel like it was okay to be overwhelmed. Like nothing was wrong with me. I think that helped pull me back.
And then when I opened my eyes, she kissed me. I couldn’t stop her. But somehow it felt right. Like we were trading feelings… thoughts… I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like I saw—just for a second—how she sees me, and I don’t have the words for it.”
Ms. Hendrix:
“So it felt like the two of you connected on an almost spiritual level.”
Thomas:
“I guess you could say that. I haven’t really had time to sort through everything. But I’d like to. I’d like to go through those feelings again.”
Ms. Hendrix:
“Maybe, when the time is right, we can talk with her too. Hear what she experienced in that moment.”
Thomas:
“One of the funny things her dad pointed out was that maybe I’m so used to feeling rejected that I don’t know how to accept love. That my reflex to deny it is stronger than my need for it. He said I’ll have to work on loving myself, and on receiving love, if I want a stronger relationship with Shoshana.”
Ms. Hendrix stops writing. She lets out a long exhale and shakes her head slightly.
Ms. Hendrix:
“Give me a minute.”
She leaves the room.
A few minutes later she returns, carrying paperwork.
Ms. Hendrix:
“Alright, Thomas. I’ve got some forms for you to sign. My understanding is that you agreed to start some testing tomorrow. I’ve printed a broad outline of my notes for you to take home. I still have to add today’s session and… honestly, I need a moment to process it myself.
I’ve known you for five years. I’ve worked closely with you for almost a year. I never thought we’d reach a moment like this. I don’t fully understand everything that’s happening in your life—but a few sessions ago, you mentioned the idea that the gods were smiling on you.
After today? Something definitely is.
Go home. Rest. I have a feeling it’s going to be another long, emotional weekend. And I’m looking forward to hearing all about it next week.”