[Scene: Thomas walks into Dr. Morwell’s office. The psychologist is reviewing notes. Without speaking, he lifts a paper from his desk—on it is a single word: "Visualize."]
[As Thomas reads it, his mind slips back. He’s at the Awards Dinner—the first time Shoshana held his hand. Wendy’s hand is on his other side. The lighting is soft. The warmth of that moment surrounds him.]
Dr. Morwell (calmly):
Slowly open your eyes.
That looked different. You went somewhere deep just then.
Care to tell me?
Thomas:
I was thinking about the Awards Dinner—when Shoshana first held my hand. It was… peaceful. Like I belonged.
Dr. Morwell:
How much detail could you write down about it?
Thomas:
A lot. Almost too much, actually.
Why?
Dr. Morwell:
Interesting.
What about the night you left your father’s house? Can you still see that clearly?
Thomas:
Yeah… I can. Most of it, anyway. It’s still pretty vivid—even without trying.
Dr. Morwell:
That’s what I thought.
After everything I’ve heard this week—good things, mind you—I’ve been thinking about memory and perception.
There’s a therapeutic technique called reframing. Like taking a photo and putting it in a new frame. Same picture, new context.
Thomas:
That sounds… interesting.
Dr. Morwell:
I want to do a little more research—maybe consult a colleague at the center.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
But the way you recall events—especially difficult ones—suggests you might be able to heal through re-seeing them. Not just remembering them, but understanding them through different eyes.
Thomas:
Last year, when I moved into the Talesky House, they had this book called 2150. It’s fiction—but it talks about something called Micro/Macro Love.
Dr. Morwell:
That’s an unusual title. Do you remember the author?
Thomas:
No, sorry. I can tell you the premise, but not the name.
[Thomas briefly explains the concept from the book, touching on themes of idealistic community, personal evolution, and emotional maturity.]
Dr. Morwell:
Let me look that up.
How did it affect you?
Thomas:
It helped me stop being so critical of my father.
My best friend at the time just focused on the… let’s say “romantic” parts of the book. But I think I started to understand what you mean about framing. We saw the same story—but filtered it differently.
Dr. Morwell (smiling):
Very close—and close enough for now.
Alright. Let’s take a look at your virtue journal.
[Thomas hands over his journal. Dr. Morwell flips through the first week’s entries—focused on Temperance and Savlanut (Patience).]
Dr. Morwell:
Looks like they didn’t try to narrow things down—they just combined Franklin’s system with Mussar.
How’s it going so far?
Thomas:
I think I’m starting to get it.
I actually had to find a copy of Franklin’s autobiography to understand what this was based on.
Dr. Morwell:
And what did you learn?
Thomas:
That Franklin focused on one virtue each week for 13 weeks—cycling through four times a year. It was his way of becoming a better man, one habit at a time.
Dr. Morwell:
And what have you gotten from Temperance and Savlanut?
Thomas:
They fit together better than I expected.
It’s made me more aware of what I eat, drink, how I react.
Also, how I wait. What I do while I wait.
Dr. Morwell:
If I told you the Lodge is seeking special dispensation for you to sit in Lodge—how would you respond?
Thomas (after a pause):
I don’t think I need that… at least not right now.
Dr. Morwell (thoughtfully):
Interesting response.
Thomas:
Why?
Dr. Morwell:
For many people, that is the goal.
Thomas:
Maybe it will be. But I think I’ll know I’m ready when others my age are with me.
Dr. Morwell:
Why?
Thomas:
Because I believe the heart of the Lodge is lifting others up.
Inspiring them to something greater.
And if I can’t follow the advice from two books I’ve read—Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s ideas about the wonder of the present moment—then what’s the point?
Dr. Morwell:
Heschel. Radical amazement. Beautiful concept.
Thomas:
Daniel—Veronica’s dad—calls me a bibliophile. He’s not wrong.
Look, if they invite me, I’ll go.
But I’m not going to chase it just to make someone look good.
I was introduced to the Worshipful Master this week for recognition—and I appreciate it—but I only feel close to a few people there.
Besides, I think I’m doing more good right now with the auxiliary and the youth program.
Dr. Morwell (nodding):
Then I’d say you’re living Temperance quite well.
And next week is Thanksgiving.
My wife and I may see you Friday. She’s been asking to meet you—I’d love to see that conversation unfold.
Thomas (smiling slightly):
Looking forward to it.
And… thanks.
Dr. Morwell:
Enjoy the holiday, Thomas.
