u/TiareMBC

“Could you make me some tea please?” Arisa held on to her stomach.

“Yeah, sure. Any in particular?” I tried to avoid asking about her pain until she mentioned it.

“Which is the one you gave me last time? Actually, can you write it down for me please? It helped a lot,” she burped, “Shit, sorry.”

“No worries. This particular one is arnica tea. You can also buy it in lotion form,” I suggested. I wrote down the name on a post-it note and handed it to her. 

“Thanks. Do you think the lotion would work for me?” She asked.

I thought about it for a second. First of all, I wasn’t a doctor, and second, I had no idea if she could put lotion on her inner organs. I think she noticed my doubt because she started to laugh.

“The look on your face was so funny. I got no idea if it would help, or how to even go about it, so maybe I will stick to the tea for now,” she laughed.

“Well, it’s good to see you laugh,” I said. And honestly, it was good. I remember when she first started to see me, she wanted to give up, saying life was not worth living with her condition.

”It’s good to laugh. I feel like I’m living life once more,” her face lit up with excitement, “I even met my nephew! He is the most precious thing in the world!”

“Oh God! I’m so happy for you! I know you were scared of meeting him and that your sister might say no,” I remembered out loud.

”I’m not going to lie, I’m still scared of hurting him and my sister,” her smile faded.

”It’s ok to be scared, but tell me, did you hurt either of them?” I challenged her.

“I didn’t, but I know I can,” she whispered.

“True, but, you are still taking all the precautions possible. And from what you have told me, you also have back up plans,” I reminded her. I knew that she could be a danger to her family and many other people, but it was something she couldn’t control and she was doing her best to avoid hurting others.

“Yeah, I still leave raw meat next to my bed and my parents installed fences on all the windows. There is also an alarm that will go off if I step out at night. I just wish I didn’t have to deal with this,” she held on to her tears.

“I know that having a chronic issue is not fun, but you are doing what you can. And look, you managed to see your nephew and sister. Would you have imagined being able to do that when you first started?” I asked.

“I didn’t. I thought it was impossible,” she answered.

“And you made the impossible happen,” I tried to encourage her.

“I made the impossible happen,” she paused for a moment, “I like the sound of that.”

“Then, let’s continue making the impossible happen,” I smiled.

Her stomach growled loudly and she burped once more.

“Sorry, do you mind if I have a snack? My gastritis gets really bad if I don’t eat when I get hungry and it makes the nights so much worse. Already having my guts dragging on the floor doesn’t help,” she asked as she looked inside her bag.

“I don’t mind at all. Self-care is important and if that helps, go for it!” I encouraged her.

But I kind of wished I had said no when she unwrapped putrid raw meat from her bag. How she had managed to hide the rancid smell was a mystery. I tried not to gag as she pulled some of the meat out and put it in her mouth. She savored the bite while I did my best to keep composed.

“Have you thought of putting soft blankets on the floor to decrease the friction when dragging your guts around?” I asked, trying to distract myself.

“You know what? I had not thought of it before. I might go buy some blankets later today,” she answered enthusiastically.

Plan: LMFT will support Arisa in developing coping strategies to manage her chronic condition, anxiety, and fears related to harming others. 

I was in love. I never thought I would settle down with anyone. I planned to casually date, sleep around, and never commit. But this all changed when I met Naica, or well, shortly after I met her.

She might have been the dream girl of many, but I was never particularly into goths, much less the ones claiming to be witches.

But one day, she invited me over to her home, and somehow we hit it off. I thought about moving on after that date, but something changed. From that day on, I knew I wanted her to be my wife and future mother of my children. Children had never been on my plans either.

In less than a week she moved into my place. I saw my figurines go into a box, which I’m still not sure if they were really put in storage or thrown away, and her crystals and candles became the main decor. My fridge now had food, because she loved to make food and sometimes potions. God, I love watching her go around the kitchen, preparing dinner while I help clean the dishes. The aroma of the roasted chicken and vegetables combined with that of the vanilla-scented candles. It was both nauseating and delicious. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask, what is this soup?” I asked as I took a sip. 

For a moment, I saw anger cross her face. I forgot for a moment that she hated being questioned about her cooking.

“It’s great! I’m just curious. Sorry if I upset you,” I apologized.

She took a deep breath and her smile was back. It was such a relief. Guilt had started to take over me, and I knew I would do anything to make her happy once more.

“It’s ok, sweetie,” She took my hand across the small table, “This is a soup my mom taught me to make. It’s good for digestion and it’s a comfort food for me. Besides, you need to start taking care of your gut health if we want to live a long life together.”

“You’re right honey,” I said as I took another sip,” besides, it’s delicious!”

I’m not sure why I never asked about the soup before and now I was curious about its ingredients. It was an almost translucent broth with no vegetables or meat. But I wasn’t about to ruin her afternoon so instead we went to our usual routine. 

She put on her favorite show and we cuddled. We made out and well, things ended in the bedroom. As I went to shower, she headed to the kitchen to leave the soup boiling overnight. Any time I tried to sneak on her, she would send me back to the room, so I got back in bed and waited for her to join. 

The next day, she waved at me goodbye as I headed to work, making sure to send me a packed lunch.

“I love you! Forever and ever!” Naica yelled from the door as I walked to the car.

“And I love you forever and more!” I blew a kiss at her. She jokingly grabbed the kiss and put it in her pocket, something that if anyone else had done it, I would have found ridiculous. I guess love really does change you.

Work at the office was slow today and I was starving. So I decided to take an early lunch. As I was about to put the soup in the microwave, one of my coworkers slipped and hit me, making me spill all my lunch.

“I’m so sorry!” He looked embarrassed, “I can share my lunch if it helps.”

“Nah, I’ll go buy something. It’s no big deal,” I reassured him. And then I thought, when was the last time I had a burger? With that in mind, I headed to buy myself a large burger, with extra fries and soda. It tasted like heaven.

All this healthy food Naica was cooking was just not to my liking, I especially hated asparagus. I just wished she would chill sometimes. Maybe we did rush into things after all. Maybe-

Why was I thinking like this? I love Naica and she is looking out for me. But maybe I could talk to her about eating out at least once a week. Yeah, that’s what I would do. 

I’m not sure why either, but I suddenly started to feel angry. Why was she throwing out my things? She even got rid of a picture of my mom and sister saying I didn’t need any other women in my life. What the hell was wrong with her? 

I took a deep breath and decided I would talk with her after work. Love did really blind you. 

As I got home, Naica was already setting up the table. One thing she was right about was that greasy food wasn’t good for my gut. My stomach hurt and all I could think of was getting to the bathroom, but Naica got in my way, wanting her usual hug, and I just threw up.

“Shit, I’m so sorry!” I ran to the kitchen to get some napkins, “I ended up buying lunch because a co-worker of mine-“

When I looked at her, she was kneeling, moving the chunks of food in the vomit. She picked what I thought might be a half-chewed pickle and put it in her mouth. Whatever was left in my stomach threatened to make its way out. But I couldn’t stop watching the grotesque scene in front of me as she chewed slowly and swallowed. 

“What the hell are you doing?” I managed to ask.

“Go clean yourself up. I got this,” her voice quivered, poorly hiding her anger.

I had many questions and was angry too, but I had just thrown up on her, so I just did as told. In the bathroom, I threw up once more as the image of Naica eating my vomit played on repeat. There was no way I could stay with her after she did that. The thought of her kissing me with my vomit in her mouth made me dizzy. I washed my face and sat on the toilet, taking in some deep breaths. I didn’t want to come out but at some point we needed to talk.

“Sweetie, sit down,” she smiled at me,” she had removed her clothes, only leaving an apron and her panties on. If this was meant to turn me on, it did the opposite.

”I’m going to brush my teeth and then we can have dinner,” she said as she made her way to the bathroom. I couldn’t help but look as she turned on a vanilla candle before going into the bathroom. I fucking hated the smell.

I took a sip of the soup while waiting for her to come back and I was honestly surprised at how quickly it made my stomach feel at ease. When I heard her footsteps, I turned to look at her and damn was she beautiful. She walked towards me and gave me a small peck on the cheek before sitting down.

“Sweetie, I’ve told you not to eat outside food. See what happens?” Naica said so sweetly. 

“I’m sorry honey. The food got dropped by a co-worker and I didn’t want to bother you,” I apologized. All the anger I felt before was completely gone. Now it all seemed so trivial. How could I ever be angry at her?

“Next time call me and I can bring you food. No more hamburgers, unless we make them at home. Promise?” Naica extended her pinky finger towards me.

“I promise,” I agreed as I gave her my pinky. Damn, I love her so much.

But the soup only did so much for my stomach, a few hours later I was throwing up once more. After the third time of waking Naica up, I made sure to be quiet as I went to the restroom once more. As I got out, I had an idea. I could have some more of the soup, hopefully, it would ease my stomach enough to get some sleep.

I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl to pour myself some soup. The scent of vanilla still lingered in the kitchen and living room. I swear, I need to get rid of those candles. 

Then I remembered why I was angry earlier today, where were all my things? I took a good look around the living room and all the things that made me were gone. The video game counsels were not by the television, all my pictures, except one with Naica, were gone, and my father’s urn was nowhere to be seen. 

“What the fuck?” I whispered to myself. Why was I allowing her to do this? I made up my mind, she had to leave. No woman was worth losing myself.

But first, some soup. Maybe now, I would know what the soup was made of. But as I looked inside the boiling water, there was a single item in it. I used the spoon to fish out said thing and confirmed my suspicions, these were the panties Naica had been wearing earlier.

“I told you not to come into the kitchen at night,” Naica looked at me angrily from the bedroom door.

“What the fuck is this?” I yelled at her.

“A love potion, but also pretty good for your health,” she said nonchalantly, “I told you I’m a witch.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Why would you be feeding me this? You are fucking disgusting!” I continued yelling. 

“Sweetie, you were going to leave me that night. I just had to do what I had to do. And can you tell me you aren’t happy? You now have a girl who loves you, is willing to take care of all your needs, and will sleep with you all the time. What else would you want?” she said calmly.

”You’re crazy! You’ve been manipulating me this whole time! Why would you do this?” I cried. I was so angry but even now, I couldn’t hit a woman.

Instead of answering, she walked towards me. I flinched as she took the bowl and spoon from me and poured some of the soup into the bowl before setting it on the table.

“I’ll admit. I did go a little too far but that’s kind of how my mom dealt with my father. That man’s eyes had a tendency to wonder. But I’m willing to compromise. We can bring some of your stuff back and as long as you behave, know that I will make you the happiest man on Earth. Now, sit,” she said calmly as she took her chair.

I’m still not sure why, but I did sit. When I looked at the bowl, her panties were in it too. When I looked up, she was smiling.

“Well, then. Will you eat?’ she continued smiling.

I looked down at the soup once more, grabbed the bowl, and drank it all in a single gulp. When I looked up, I smiled at the love of my life.

I was in love. I never thought I would settle down with anyone. I planned to casually date, sleep around, and never commit. But this all changed when I met Naica, or well, shortly after I met her.

She might have been the dream girl of many, but I was never particularly into goths, much less the ones claiming to be witches.

But one day, she invited me over to her home, and somehow we hit it off. I thought about moving on after that date, but something changed. From that day on, I knew I wanted her to be my wife and future mother of my children. Children had never been on my plans either.

In less than a week she moved into my place. I saw my figurines go into a box, which I’m still not sure if they were really put in storage or thrown away, and her crystals and candles became the main decor. My fridge now had food, because she loved to make food and sometimes potions. God, I love watching her go around the kitchen, preparing dinner while I help clean the dishes. The aroma of the roasted chicken and vegetables combined with that of the vanilla-scented candles. It was both nauseating and delicious. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask, what is this soup?” I asked as I took a sip. 

For a moment, I saw anger cross her face. I forgot for a moment that she hated being questioned about her cooking.

“It’s great! I’m just curious. Sorry if I upset you,” I apologized.

She took a deep breath and her smile was back. It was such a relief. Guilt had started to take over me, and I knew I would do anything to make her happy once more.

“It’s ok, sweetie,” She took my hand across the small table, “This is a soup my mom taught me to make. It’s good for digestion and it’s a comfort food for me. Besides, you need to start taking care of your gut health if we want to live a long life together.”

“You’re right honey,” I said as I took another sip,” besides, it’s delicious!”

I’m not sure why I never asked about the soup before and now I was curious about its ingredients. It was an almost translucent broth with no vegetables or meat. But I wasn’t about to ruin her afternoon so instead we went to our usual routine. 

She put on her favorite show and we cuddled. We made out and well, things ended in the bedroom. As I went to shower, she headed to the kitchen to leave the soup boiling overnight. Any time I tried to sneak on her, she would send me back to the room, so I got back in bed and waited for her to join. 

The next day, she waved at me goodbye as I headed to work, making sure to send me a packed lunch.

“I love you! Forever and ever!” Naica yelled from the door as I walked to the car.

“And I love you forever and more!” I blew a kiss at her. She jokingly grabbed the kiss and put it in her pocket, something that if anyone else had done it, I would have found ridiculous. I guess love really does change you.

Work at the office was slow today and I was starving. So I decided to take an early lunch. As I was about to put the soup in the microwave, one of my coworkers slipped and hit me, making me spill all my lunch.

“I’m so sorry!” He looked embarrassed, “I can share my lunch if it helps.”

“Nah, I’ll go buy something. It’s no big deal,” I reassured him. And then I thought, when was the last time I had a burger? With that in mind, I headed to buy myself a large burger, with extra fries and soda. It tasted like heaven.

All this healthy food Naica was cooking was just not to my liking, I especially hated asparagus. I just wished she would chill sometimes. Maybe we did rush into things after all. Maybe-

Why was I thinking like this? I love Naica and she is looking out for me. But maybe I could talk to her about eating out at least once a week. Yeah, that’s what I would do. 

I’m not sure why either, but I suddenly started to feel angry. Why was she throwing out my things? She even got rid of a picture of my mom and sister saying I didn’t need any other women in my life. What the hell was wrong with her? 

I took a deep breath and decided I would talk with her after work. Love did really blind you. 

As I got home, Naica was already setting up the table. One thing she was right about was that greasy food wasn’t good for my gut. My stomach hurt and all I could think of was getting to the bathroom, but Naica got in my way, wanting her usual hug, and I just threw up.

“Shit, I’m so sorry!” I ran to the kitchen to get some napkins, “I ended up buying lunch because a co-worker of mine-“

When I looked at her, she was kneeling, moving the chunks of food in the vomit. She picked what I thought might be a half-chewed pickle and put it in her mouth. Whatever was left in my stomach threatened to make its way out. But I couldn’t stop watching the grotesque scene in front of me as she chewed slowly and swallowed. 

“What the hell are you doing?” I managed to ask.

“Go clean yourself up. I got this,” her voice quivered, poorly hiding her anger.

I had many questions and was angry too, but I had just thrown up on her, so I just did as told. In the bathroom, I threw up once more as the image of Naica eating my vomit played on repeat. There was no way I could stay with her after she did that. The thought of her kissing me with my vomit in her mouth made me dizzy. I washed my face and sat on the toilet, taking in some deep breaths. I didn’t want to come out but at some point we needed to talk.

“Sweetie, sit down,” she smiled at me,” she had removed her clothes, only leaving an apron and her panties on. If this was meant to turn me on, it did the opposite.

”I’m going to brush my teeth and then we can have dinner,” she said as she made her way to the bathroom. I couldn’t help but look as she turned on a vanilla candle before going into the bathroom. I fucking hated the smell.

I took a sip of the soup while waiting for her to come back and I was honestly surprised at how quickly it made my stomach feel at ease. When I heard her footsteps, I turned to look at her and damn was she beautiful. She walked towards me and gave me a small peck on the cheek before sitting down.

“Sweetie, I’ve told you not to eat outside food. See what happens?” Naica said so sweetly. 

“I’m sorry honey. The food got dropped by a co-worker and I didn’t want to bother you,” I apologized. All the anger I felt before was completely gone. Now it all seemed so trivial. How could I ever be angry at her?

“Next time call me and I can bring you food. No more hamburgers, unless we make them at home. Promise?” Naica extended her pinky finger towards me.

“I promise,” I agreed as I gave her my pinky. Damn, I love her so much.

But the soup only did so much for my stomach, a few hours later I was throwing up once more. After the third time of waking Naica up, I made sure to be quiet as I went to the restroom once more. As I got out, I had an idea. I could have some more of the soup, hopefully, it would ease my stomach enough to get some sleep.

I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl to pour myself some soup. The scent of vanilla still lingered in the kitchen and living room. I swear, I need to get rid of those candles. 

Then I remembered why I was angry earlier today, where were all my things? I took a good look around the living room and all the things that made me were gone. The video game counsels were not by the television, all my pictures, except one with Naica, were gone, and my father’s urn was nowhere to be seen. 

“What the fuck?” I whispered to myself. Why was I allowing her to do this? I made up my mind, she had to leave. No woman was worth losing myself.

But first, some soup. Maybe now, I would know what the soup was made of. But as I looked inside the boiling water, there was a single item in it. I used the spoon to fish out said thing and confirmed my suspicions, these were the panties Naica had been wearing earlier.

“I told you not to come into the kitchen at night,” Naica looked at me angrily from the bedroom door.

“What the fuck is this?” I yelled at her.

“A love potion, but also pretty good for your health,” she said nonchalantly, “I told you I’m a witch.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Why would you be feeding me this? You are fucking disgusting!” I continued yelling. 

“Sweetie, you were going to leave me that night. I just had to do what I had to do. And can you tell me you aren’t happy? You now have a girl who loves you, is willing to take care of all your needs, and will sleep with you all the time. What else would you want?” she said calmly.

”You’re crazy! You’ve been manipulating me this whole time! Why would you do this?” I cried. I was so angry but even now, I couldn’t hit a woman.

Instead of answering, she walked towards me. I flinched as she took the bowl and spoon from me and poured some of the soup into the bowl before setting it on the table.

“I’ll admit. I did go a little too far but that’s kind of how my mom dealt with my father. That man’s eyes had a tendency to wonder. But I’m willing to compromise. We can bring some of your stuff back and as long as you behave, know that I will make you the happiest man on Earth. Now, sit,” she said calmly as she took her chair.

I’m still not sure why, but I did sit. When I looked at the bowl, her panties were in it too. When I looked up, she was smiling.

“Well, then. Will you eat?’ she continued smiling.

I looked down at the soup once more, grabbed the bowl, and drank it all in a single gulp. When I looked up, I smiled at the love of my life.

 

I was in love. I never thought I would settle down with anyone. I planned to casually date, sleep around, and never commit. But this all changed when I met Naica, or well, shortly after I met her.

She might have been the dream girl of many, but I was never particularly into goths, much less the ones claiming to be witches.

But one day, she invited me over to her home, and somehow we hit it off. I thought about moving on after that date, but something changed. From that day on, I knew I wanted her to be my wife and future mother of my children. Children had never been on my plans either.

In less than a week she moved into my place. I saw my figurines go into a box, which I’m still not sure if they were really put in storage or thrown away, and her crystals and candles became the main decor. My fridge now had food, because she loved to make food and sometimes potions. God, I love watching her go around the kitchen, preparing dinner while I help clean the dishes. The aroma of the roasted chicken and vegetables combined with that of the vanilla-scented candles. It was both nauseating and delicious. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask, what is this soup?” I asked as I took a sip. 

For a moment, I saw anger cross her face. I forgot for a moment that she hated being questioned about her cooking.

“It’s great! I’m just curious. Sorry if I upset you,” I apologized.

She took a deep breath and her smile was back. It was such a relief. Guilt had started to take over me, and I knew I would do anything to make her happy once more.

“It’s ok, sweetie,” She took my hand across the small table, “This is a soup my mom taught me to make. It’s good for digestion and it’s a comfort food for me. Besides, you need to start taking care of your gut health if we want to live a long life together.”

“You’re right honey,” I said as I took another sip,” besides, it’s delicious!”

I’m not sure why I never asked about the soup before and now I was curious about its ingredients. It was an almost translucent broth with no vegetables or meat. But I wasn’t about to ruin her afternoon so instead we went to our usual routine. 

She put on her favorite show and we cuddled. We made out and well, things ended in the bedroom. As I went to shower, she headed to the kitchen to leave the soup boiling overnight. Any time I tried to sneak on her, she would send me back to the room, so I got back in bed and waited for her to join. 

The next day, she waved at me goodbye as I headed to work, making sure to send me a packed lunch.

“I love you! Forever and ever!” Naica yelled from the door as I walked to the car.

“And I love you forever and more!” I blew a kiss at her. She jokingly grabbed the kiss and put it in her pocket, something that if anyone else had done it, I would have found ridiculous. I guess love really does change you.

Work at the office was slow today and I was starving. So I decided to take an early lunch. As I was about to put the soup in the microwave, one of my coworkers slipped and hit me, making me spill all my lunch.

“I’m so sorry!” He looked embarrassed, “I can share my lunch if it helps.”

“Nah, I’ll go buy something. It’s no big deal,” I reassured him. And then I thought, when was the last time I had a burger? With that in mind, I headed to buy myself a large burger, with extra fries and soda. It tasted like heaven.

All this healthy food Naica was cooking was just not to my liking, I especially hated asparagus. I just wished she would chill sometimes. Maybe we did rush into things after all. Maybe-

Why was I thinking like this? I love Naica and she is looking out for me. But maybe I could talk to her about eating out at least once a week. Yeah, that’s what I would do. 

I’m not sure why either, but I suddenly started to feel angry. Why was she throwing out my things? She even got rid of a picture of my mom and sister saying I didn’t need any other women in my life. What the hell was wrong with her? 

I took a deep breath and decided I would talk with her after work. Love did really blind you. 

As I got home, Naica was already setting up the table. One thing she was right about was that greasy food wasn’t good for my gut. My stomach hurt and all I could think of was getting to the bathroom, but Naica got in my way, wanting her usual hug, and I just threw up.

“Shit, I’m so sorry!” I ran to the kitchen to get some napkins, “I ended up buying lunch because a co-worker of mine-“

When I looked at her, she was kneeling, moving the chunks of food in the vomit. She picked what I thought might be a half-chewed pickle and put it in her mouth. Whatever was left in my stomach threatened to make its way out. But I couldn’t stop watching the grotesque scene in front of me as she chewed slowly and swallowed. 

“What the hell are you doing?” I managed to ask.

“Go clean yourself up. I got this,” her voice quivered, poorly hiding her anger.

I had many questions and was angry too, but I had just thrown up on her, so I just did as told. In the bathroom, I threw up once more as the image of Naica eating my vomit played on repeat. There was no way I could stay with her after she did that. The thought of her kissing me with my vomit in her mouth made me dizzy. I washed my face and sat on the toilet, taking in some deep breaths. I didn’t want to come out but at some point we needed to talk.

“Sweetie, sit down,” she smiled at me,” she had removed her clothes, only leaving an apron and her panties on. If this was meant to turn me on, it did the opposite.

”I’m going to brush my teeth and then we can have dinner,” she said as she made her way to the bathroom. I couldn’t help but look as she turned on a vanilla candle before going into the bathroom. I fucking hated the smell.

I took a sip of the soup while waiting for her to come back and I was honestly surprised at how quickly it made my stomach feel at ease. When I heard her footsteps, I turned to look at her and damn was she beautiful. She walked towards me and gave me a small peck on the cheek before sitting down.

“Sweetie, I’ve told you not to eat outside food. See what happens?” Naica said so sweetly. 

“I’m sorry honey. The food got dropped by a co-worker and I didn’t want to bother you,” I apologized. All the anger I felt before was completely gone. Now it all seemed so trivial. How could I ever be angry at her?

“Next time call me and I can bring you food. No more hamburgers, unless we make them at home. Promise?” Naica extended her pinky finger towards me.

“I promise,” I agreed as I gave her my pinky. Damn, I love her so much.

But the soup only did so much for my stomach, a few hours later I was throwing up once more. After the third time of waking Naica up, I made sure to be quiet as I went to the restroom once more. As I got out, I had an idea. I could have some more of the soup, hopefully, it would ease my stomach enough to get some sleep.

I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl to pour myself some soup. The scent of vanilla still lingered in the kitchen and living room. I swear, I need to get rid of those candles. 

Then I remembered why I was angry earlier today, where were all my things? I took a good look around the living room and all the things that made me were gone. The video game counsels were not by the television, all my pictures, except one with Naica, were gone, and my father’s urn was nowhere to be seen. 

“What the fuck?” I whispered to myself. Why was I allowing her to do this? I made up my mind, she had to leave. No woman was worth losing myself.

But first, some soup. Maybe now, I would know what the soup was made of. But as I looked inside the boiling water, there was a single item in it. I used the spoon to fish out said thing and confirmed my suspicions, these were the panties Naica had been wearing earlier.

“I told you not to come into the kitchen at night,” Naica looked at me angrily from the bedroom door.

“What the fuck is this?” I yelled at her.

“A love potion, but also pretty good for your health,” she said nonchalantly, “I told you I’m a witch.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Why would you be feeding me this? You are fucking disgusting!” I continued yelling. 

“Sweetie, you were going to leave me that night. I just had to do what I had to do. And can you tell me you aren’t happy? You now have a girl who loves you, is willing to take care of all your needs, and will sleep with you all the time. What else would you want?” she said calmly.

”You’re crazy! You’ve been manipulating me this whole time! Why would you do this?” I cried. I was so angry but even now, I couldn’t hit a woman.

Instead of answering, she walked towards me. I flinched as she took the bowl and spoon from me and poured some of the soup into the bowl before setting it on the table.

“I’ll admit. I did go a little too far but that’s kind of how my mom dealt with my father. That man’s eyes had a tendency to wonder. But I’m willing to compromise. We can bring some of your stuff back and as long as you behave, know that I will make you the happiest man on Earth. Now, sit,” she said calmly as she took her chair.

I’m still not sure why, but I did sit. When I looked at the bowl, her panties were in it too. When I looked up, she was smiling.

“Well, then. Will you eat?’ she continued smiling.

I looked down at the soup once more, grabbed the bowl, and drank it all in a single gulp. When I looked up, I smiled at the love of my life.

 

“Do you take walk-ins?” A woman came into my office. Her eyes were puffy and she hadn’t properly wiped the tears away from her face. Her hair was a mess and she trembled as she looked at me with so much despair that there was no way I could say no, even if I never took walk-ins.

“Come on in,” I guided her to the sofa most clients used. I made sure to place some tissues close to her.

“Sorry for the inconvenience,” She paused to blow her nose as fresh tears ran down her face, “I was in the hospital and no one would help me and someone there said I should come see you. And I knew that if I didn’t come I would…” She couldn’t finish, instead, she started to cry harder.

I would usually start with taking the client’s information, payment form, talk about informed consent, and do an assessment, but this was starting to look more like an emergency case. So for now, screw procedures, besides, this was my lunchtime and I could do as I pleased with the free hour.

“You have nothing to apologize for, I’m thankful you are giving me a chance to help. But first, what is your name?” I tried being gentle.

“Enyd,” she responded in between sobs.

“Enyd, what happened?” I went straight to the point. Inside, I seethed in anger, not at Enyd, but at the hospital, for having ignored this woman who obviously needed help.

“I’m just tired. I just can’t do anything right and I just don’t know. I really don’t,” Enyd took another tissue from the box. 

I let her cry. I let her feel her pain and sadness, because sometimes we had to feel before letting go. Sometimes, we needed to lose control before gaining it back. But as her sobs softened, I started to take deep breaths, and whether unconsciously or consciously she followed. She closed her eyes, took a few more deep breaths, and composed herself in a way I knew she probably did frequently to portray the image that she was fine.

“Sorry, that was embarrassing,” Enyd laughed nervously.

“It’s ok. It’s better to get those feelings out. Besides, what better place to cry than with your therapist,” I reassured her.

“You do have a point,” She looked down at the floor.

“Sorry, it really seems like things are not going great for you,” I tried to push her to talk.

“They’re not. It’s all going wrong and it’s my fault!” She yelled, not at me, but at herself. This time I waited until she felt ready to talk once more.

“If I hadn’t changed the song when my husband was driving, we would have never been in that accident that has cost me all,” she cried, “He wouldn’t have gotten distracted and he would have seen the car that ignored the red light, and my kids and my husband would be fine. Instead, they are all in the hospital and here I am, unable to see them. I just want to see them and apologize and-“

“Enyd, sorry to interrupt you. But I don’t think this was your fault,” I confronted her. What had happened to her reminded me of a case a year ago, where two teens, and their parents were hit by a drunk driver. Sadly, no one made it. The husband used to be a client of mine, someone who talked about his family with so much joy but sadly he felt he was not enough for them. I hope that when he passed, he realized he truly was enough.

“This was my fault! And now I’m not sure if they will ever forgive me. As much as I long to see them, I’m not sure I should be near them,” she trembled as she spoke.

“I know that no matter how much I tell you that this is not your fault, you won’t believe me right now, but can I ask you some things? They may not make sense at first, but I need you to answer me as best as you can, can we do that?” I tried to encourage her. She nodded as she rocked herself.

“Do you love your family?” I started.

“I do. They are my everything,” she answered softly.

“Tell me about them,” I pushed.

“Where do I even start? My boys, my twins who decided to untwin. They look identical but couldn’t be any more different. Jordan loves to dance and recently joined ballet. He is always on the go, ready for the next challenge. Ariel is more of an artist, his homework always full of doodles and his paintings showing the calmness in his soul. And yet, they adore each other. I always thought that when they became teens, they would start to argue with each other, and instead they attend each other’s events, and end up watching cooking shows when they can’t agree on what to watch,” Enyd smiled through the tears and I had to compose myself to not cry too.

“They sound like wonderful kids. And I can assure you, that you had a lot to do with that. But now, tell me about your husband,” I continued before she could argue.

”He is the love of my life,” her eyes looked lost but happy for a second, “He is there for me and I am there for him. We do everything together and I just wish he knew how much he means to me.”

“Have you told him?” I asked.

“I do. All the time. But he is going through a rough patch himself. He is seeing a therapist too. He says he is not good enough for us,” She grabbed another tissue and started to rip it into little pieces, making sure they all fell into the trash can.

“It really sounds like you love them and that they love you too,” I added, hoping she realized that even if she made a mistake, which she hadn’t, they would forgive her and want her in her life. 

“I don’t know if they would love me now, they probably shouldn’t,” she ripped the papers a little slower.

“Let me ask you, if one of your sons or your husband had done what you did, would you forgive them?” I confronted her.

She stayed quiet for a moment, an internal turmoil going on. She looked at me for a moment before going back to ripping tissues.

“There would be nothing to forgive,” she sobbed.

“Because you did nothing wrong,” I said gently, “You should go see your children and Carter.”

“How did you know my husband’s name?” Enyd looked at me confused.

“You said it when you talked about him,” I lied, “You also mentioned your twins’ names, Jordan and Ariel.”

“Oh, right,” she paused, “I’m not ready, but I will go see my family.”

She trembled as she stood, but through the tears, I could see determination.

“I’m glad to hear that,” I smiled as I walked her to the door.

”Thank you for your help,” Enyd said, hugging me. A shiver passed through my body. And then she was gone.

The tears I had held back through the whole session finally started to flow. I cried, allowing myself to feel my feelings. I then composed myself and waited for my scheduled client.

Plan: No plan. Client moved on to a hopefully better place. 

“1… 2… 3…”

All of them started running in hopes of finding the best hiding spot. Except for Daniela, who was still crying next to what remained of her mother’s body. Her wailing filled the house as she held on to a piece of bloodied torso.

“4… 5… 6…”

Terra took one last glance at her cousin before making a run for it. She didn’t dare take a look at the monster who was now counting before starting the hunt. 

The rules were simple. The monster would count to 60 and then start looking. If it found you, you would end up like Tia Dolores. The last one standing would win.

With no time to waste, Terra ran to the best hiding spot in the house. The closet in the hallway, across from the bathroom. It was always full of junk and it made it easy to hide yourself in it. But as Terra was about to open the door, Perla pushed her away, making her hit the floor hard. She could have tried to fight back, but there wasn’t enough time.

“22… 23… 24…”

Goosebumps ran over her body, but she knew where to hide. As she ran the opposite direction from the closet, she saw some of her cousins hiding under the kitchen sink, inside the laundry basket, behind the single bookshelf. All predictable hiding spots. 

Daniela still held on to her mother, she would probably be the first to join her. But as she took one glance towards the living room, she saw Lalo was frozen in place. Had it been any of her cousins, she wouldn’t have given a damn.

“Lalo!” Terra tried to whisper.

The boy looked at her, terrified but finally out of his trance. Without saying a word, she pointed at the small table, next to the monster. Lalo was the only one small enough to hide under it. If he were able to hold himself to the top long enough, it would make for a great hiding spot. He understood what she meant and carefully made his way to the table.

Terra now turned to go to her hiding spot. But the idea of opening this particular door somehow scared her more than the monster in the living room. This had been where the other monster used to sleep.

“39… 40… 41…”

No, the monster that used to live in this house was dead. That was the whole reason she was here today. She reluctantly opened the door and closed it quietly behind her. She took off her shoes and placed them under the bed, hopefully deceiving the monster. She took a deep breath and went into the wardrobe. 

The smell was repugnant and she was sure rats were hiding in between the moldy clothes. She moved some of the clothes aside and found the actual hiding spot she was aiming for. One of the boards was broken. With shaking hands, she moved the boards and fitted herself in the tight space between the broken board and the floor. She intentionally left the wardrobe door slightly open, hoping that if the monster did look in there, it would assume she was hiding between the clothes and leave the space alone. Something crawled by her feet, but she did her best to stay still and hope the rats wouldn’t bite her. 

“58…59…60… Ready or not, here I come!” the monster’s voice vibrated through the house.

Not a second had passed when Daniela’s yelp was heard followed by a crushing sound. Terra didn’t want to imagine how her cousin had died, but images of her being ripped apart kept running through her mind. She tried taking a silent, deep breath to calm herself and hopefully stop her body from shaking. 

But before she could control her shaking, she heard another of her cousins screaming. Nadia begged to be let go but her voice was quickly silenced. 

Terra was scared. Not for her cousins, she couldn't care less what happened to them, but for herself. She had already survived a monster, she wasn’t sure life would let her beat a second one. With Daniela and Nadia gone, there were five more people hiding, including herself. She cursed at Perla for taking the best hiding spot.

The house trembled with every step the monster took. If she wasn’t wrong, the monster was somewhere between the laundry room and the kitchen. On the opposite side of the house from her. Maybe if she got out and tried to open the bedroom window, she could save herself.

Terra started to slowly move the broken board when another loud noise made her stop. The bookshelf had been knocked down. Marcelo’s screams could be heard through the hallway as he tried to run away from the monster. 

“Perla! Save me!” Marcelo begged his sister but Perla didn’t respond. “Per-“

Marcelo’s scream was cut off before he could continue to beg for his sister’s help. Terra could hear some gagging before a terrible ripping sound declared Marcelo’s death. Something, Terra assumed was a piece of Marcelo’s body, was thrown against the hall wall and made a final thud when it hit the floor. 

Terra couldn’t even take a breath when Fani screamed too. Her words were drowned by her sobs. The loud creaking of the door of the washing machine made Terra flinch. When the door shut, Fani’s sobs had stopped.

Three people were left. She didn’t want to die but was fine with it if it meant Lalo lived. Lalo had been the only cousin to be kind to her, and probably too young to realize all the terrible things that had been done to Terra. But Perla had been the worst of them all. Unintentionally, she wiggled her toes, still lamenting the loss of one of her toes. Angry tears filled her eyes. She did her best to wipe them away. She wasn’t going to allow Perla to be the cause of her death too. 

The door to the room opened, and the monster’s heavy steps scared the rats away. The monster’s rancid breath caused the room to become unbreathable. Terra held her breath, in hope it would go away. Every second felt like an eternity. Her body screamed at her to get out of the wardrobe to take a breath and know what was going on. 

Something was lifted and quickly dropped. It was the bed, it had fallen for her trick with the shoes. She felt some relief but quickly froze in place when the monster opened the door to the wardrobe. Terra tried not to move but swore the monster would hear the erratic beating of her heart. The monster pulled the moldy clothes out of the wardrobe, and the rats ran away in fear of the creature. And when she thought she was doomed, the monster gave up and walked out of the room. Terra held back a sigh of relief, the game wasn’t over yet. As the monster made his way back into the hall, Terra heard the closet door opening, and all the junk falling to the floor.

“I can tell you where the other two are hiding if you let me win,” Perla’s voice sounded confident. 

Terra was not sure if Perla was a complete idiot or the smartest person in the world. If anyone knew of Terra’s hiding spot, it would be her. Perla had been the only person she had shared this hiding spot with when they were younger and hiding from the other monster. If the monster agreed, she was doomed.

There was silence for a moment. What if the monster had agreed and now they were silently approaching her hiding spot? Should she have tried to make the same kind of deal with the monster when she had her chance?

“Oh no, my dear. That’s no fun,” the monster responded, “And you just lost.”

There was no response from Perla. All that Terra could hear were the thundering steps of the monster running towards her, so quick that it didn’t give Perla time to scream. 

Before Terra could process what had happened, another loud thud came from the living room. The noise confused her for a second, but then she realized that Lalo had probably fallen as he couldn’t hold on any longer.

Without thinking she scrambled to get out of her hiding spot, hoping to somehow reach Lalo before the monster did. She ignored her better judgment as the monster’s steps begged her to keep hiding. Instead, she broke the board some more as she pushed aside the remaining clothes. As she dragged herself out, she saw the monster enter the living room. 

She ran behind the monster and saw Lalo still under the small table. As she was about to scream to grab the monster’s attention, the monster jumped onto the table, completely crushing Lalo underneath it. Blood splattered through the room and drenched Terra’s clothes. Her scream remained silent as the monster turned to look at her.

“So you were hiding in that old hag’s room, weren't you?”

Terra stood silent, unable to process what she had just seen and all the blood and viscera surrounding her. No, it wasn't that she couldn’t process what she was seeing, it was that she felt happy about it. Happy that they were all gone.

“Come here,” the monster offered a bloodied hand. 

Terra extended her hand to the monster thinking it would probably kill her too. She just hoped it was quick. But instead, he guided her to the house's entrance and opened the door.

“You won. You are now free.”

Terra walked out of the house. When she turned, the monster had closed the door behind her. 

The monster had been right, she was free.

“1… 2… 3…”

All of them started running in hopes of finding the best hiding spot. Except for Daniela, who was still crying next to what remained of her mother’s body. Her wailing filled the house as she held on to a piece of bloodied torso.

“4… 5… 6…”

Terra took one last glance at her cousin before making a run for it. She didn’t dare take a look at the monster who was now counting before starting the hunt. 

The rules were simple. The monster would count to 60 and then start looking. If it found you, you would end up like Tia Dolores. The last one standing would win.

With no time to waste, Terra ran to the best hiding spot in the house. The closet in the hallway, across from the bathroom. It was always full of junk and it made it easy to hide yourself in it. But as Terra was about to open the door, Perla pushed her away, making her hit the floor hard. She could have tried to fight back, but there wasn’t enough time.

“22… 23… 24…”

Goosebumps ran over her body, but she knew where to hide. As she ran the opposite direction from the closet, she saw some of her cousins hiding under the kitchen sink, inside the laundry basket, behind the single bookshelf. All predictable hiding spots. 

Daniela still held on to her mother, she would probably be the first to join her. But as she took one glance towards the living room, she saw Lalo was frozen in place. Had it been any of her cousins, she wouldn’t have given a damn.

“Lalo!” Terra tried to whisper.

The boy looked at her, terrified but finally out of his trance. Without saying a word, she pointed at the small table, next to the monster. Lalo was the only one small enough to hide under it. If he were able to hold himself to the top long enough, it would make for a great hiding spot. He understood what she meant and carefully made his way to the table.

Terra now turned to go to her hiding spot. But the idea of opening this particular door somehow scared her more than the monster in the living room. This had been where the other monster used to sleep.

“39… 40… 41…”

No, the monster that used to live in this house was dead. That was the whole reason she was here today. She reluctantly opened the door and closed it quietly behind her. She took off her shoes and placed them under the bed, hopefully deceiving the monster. She took a deep breath and went into the wardrobe. 

The smell was repugnant and she was sure rats were hiding in between the moldy clothes. She moved some of the clothes aside and found the actual hiding spot she was aiming for. One of the boards was broken. With shaking hands, she moved the boards and fitted herself in the tight space between the broken board and the floor. She intentionally left the wardrobe door slightly open, hoping that if the monster did look in there, it would assume she was hiding between the clothes and leave the space alone. Something crawled by her feet, but she did her best to stay still and hope the rats wouldn’t bite her. 

“58…59…60… Ready or not, here I come!” the monster’s voice vibrated through the house.

Not a second had passed when Daniela’s yelp was heard followed by a crushing sound. Terra didn’t want to imagine how her cousin had died, but images of her being ripped apart kept running through her mind. She tried taking a silent, deep breath to calm herself and hopefully stop her body from shaking. 

But before she could control her shaking, she heard another of her cousins screaming. Nadia begged to be let go but her voice was quickly silenced. 

Terra was scared. Not for her cousins, she couldn't care less what happened to them, but for herself. She had already survived a monster, she wasn’t sure life would let her beat a second one. With Daniela and Nadia gone, there were five more people hiding, including herself. She cursed at Perla for taking the best hiding spot.

The house trembled with every step the monster took. If she wasn’t wrong, the monster was somewhere between the laundry room and the kitchen. On the opposite side of the house from her. Maybe if she got out and tried to open the bedroom window, she could save herself.

Terra started to slowly move the broken board when another loud noise made her stop. The bookshelf had been knocked down. Marcelo’s screams could be heard through the hallway as he tried to run away from the monster. 

“Perla! Save me!” Marcelo begged his sister but Perla didn’t respond. “Per-“

Marcelo’s scream was cut off before he could continue to beg for his sister’s help. Terra could hear some gagging before a terrible ripping sound declared Marcelo’s death. Something, Terra assumed was a piece of Marcelo’s body, was thrown against the hall wall and made a final thud when it hit the floor. 

Terra couldn’t even take a breath when Fani screamed too. Her words were drowned by her sobs. The loud creaking of the door of the washing machine made Terra flinch. When the door shut, Fani’s sobs had stopped.

Three people were left. She didn’t want to die but was fine with it if it meant Lalo lived. Lalo had been the only cousin to be kind to her, and probably too young to realize all the terrible things that had been done to Terra. But Perla had been the worst of them all. Unintentionally, she wiggled her toes, still lamenting the loss of one of her toes. Angry tears filled her eyes. She did her best to wipe them away. She wasn’t going to allow Perla to be the cause of her death too. 

The door to the room opened, and the monster’s heavy steps scared the rats away. The monster’s rancid breath caused the room to become unbreathable. Terra held her breath, in hope it would go away. Every second felt like an eternity. Her body screamed at her to get out of the wardrobe to take a breath and know what was going on. 

Something was lifted and quickly dropped. It was the bed, it had fallen for her trick with the shoes. She felt some relief but quickly froze in place when the monster opened the door to the wardrobe. Terra tried not to move but swore the monster would hear the erratic beating of her heart. The monster pulled the moldy clothes out of the wardrobe, and the rats ran away in fear of the creature. And when she thought she was doomed, the monster gave up and walked out of the room. Terra held back a sigh of relief, the game wasn’t over yet. As the monster made his way back into the hall, Terra heard the closet door opening, and all the junk falling to the floor.

“I can tell you where the other two are hiding if you let me win,” Perla’s voice sounded confident. 

Terra was not sure if Perla was a complete idiot or the smartest person in the world. If anyone knew of Terra’s hiding spot, it would be her. Perla had been the only person she had shared this hiding spot with when they were younger and hiding from the other monster. If the monster agreed, she was doomed.

There was silence for a moment. What if the monster had agreed and now they were silently approaching her hiding spot? Should she have tried to make the same kind of deal with the monster when she had her chance?

“Oh no, my dear. That’s no fun,” the monster responded, “And you just lost.”

There was no response from Perla. All that Terra could hear were the thundering steps of the monster running towards her, so quick that it didn’t give Perla time to scream. 

Before Terra could process what had happened, another loud thud came from the living room. The noise confused her for a second, but then she realized that Lalo had probably fallen as he couldn’t hold on any longer.

Without thinking she scrambled to get out of her hiding spot, hoping to somehow reach Lalo before the monster did. She ignored her better judgment as the monster’s steps begged her to keep hiding. Instead, she broke the board some more as she pushed aside the remaining clothes. As she dragged herself out, she saw the monster enter the living room. 

She ran behind the monster and saw Lalo still under the small table. As she was about to scream to grab the monster’s attention, the monster jumped onto the table, completely crushing Lalo underneath it. Blood splattered through the room and drenched Terra’s clothes. Her scream remained silent as the monster turned to look at her.

“So you were hiding in that old hag’s room, weren't you?”

Terra stood silent, unable to process what she had just seen and all the blood and viscera surrounding her. No, it wasn't that she couldn’t process what she was seeing, it was that she felt happy about it. Happy that they were all gone.

“Come here,” the monster offered a bloodied hand. 

Terra extended her hand to the monster thinking it would probably kill her too. She just hoped it was quick. But instead, he guided her to the house's entrance and opened the door.

“You won. You are now free.”

Terra walked out of the house. When she turned, the monster had closed the door behind her. 

The monster had been right, she was free.

“1… 2… 3…”

All of them started running in hopes of finding the best hiding spot. Except for Daniela, who was still crying next to what remained of her mother’s body. Her wailing filled the house as she held on to a piece of bloodied torso.

“4… 5… 6…”

Terra took one last glance at her cousin before making a run for it. She didn’t dare take a look at the monster who was now counting before starting the hunt. 

The rules were simple. The monster would count to 60 and then start looking. If it found you, you would end up like Tia Dolores. The last one standing would win.

With no time to waste, Terra ran to the best hiding spot in the house. The closet in the hallway, across from the bathroom. It was always full of junk and it made it easy to hide yourself in it. But as Terra was about to open the door, Perla pushed her away, making her hit the floor hard. She could have tried to fight back, but there wasn’t enough time.

“22… 23… 24…”

Goosebumps ran over her body, but she knew where to hide. As she ran the opposite direction from the closet, she saw some of her cousins hiding under the kitchen sink, inside the laundry basket, behind the single bookshelf. All predictable hiding spots. 

Daniela still held on to her mother, she would probably be the first to join her. But as she took one glance towards the living room, she saw Lalo was frozen in place. Had it been any of her cousins, she wouldn’t have given a damn.

“Lalo!” Terra tried to whisper.

The boy looked at her, terrified but finally out of his trance. Without saying a word, she pointed at the small table, next to the monster. Lalo was the only one small enough to hide under it. If he were able to hold himself to the top long enough, it would make for a great hiding spot. He understood what she meant and carefully made his way to the table.

Terra now turned to go to her hiding spot. But the idea of opening this particular door somehow scared her more than the monster in the living room. This had been where the other monster used to sleep.

“39… 40… 41…”

No, the monster that used to live in this house was dead. That was the whole reason she was here today. She reluctantly opened the door and closed it quietly behind her. She took off her shoes and placed them under the bed, hopefully deceiving the monster. She took a deep breath and went into the wardrobe. 

The smell was repugnant and she was sure rats were hiding in between the moldy clothes. She moved some of the clothes aside and found the actual hiding spot she was aiming for. One of the boards was broken. With shaking hands, she moved the boards and fitted herself in the tight space between the broken board and the floor. She intentionally left the wardrobe door slightly open, hoping that if the monster did look in there, it would assume she was hiding between the clothes and leave the space alone. Something crawled by her feet, but she did her best to stay still and hope the rats wouldn’t bite her. 

“58…59…60… Ready or not, here I come!” the monster’s voice vibrated through the house.

Not a second had passed when Daniela’s yelp was heard followed by a crushing sound. Terra didn’t want to imagine how her cousin had died, but images of her being ripped apart kept running through her mind. She tried taking a silent, deep breath to calm herself and hopefully stop her body from shaking. 

But before she could control her shaking, she heard another of her cousins screaming. Nadia begged to be let go but her voice was quickly silenced. 

Terra was scared. Not for her cousins, she couldn't care less what happened to them, but for herself. She had already survived a monster, she wasn’t sure life would let her beat a second one. With Daniela and Nadia gone, there were five more people hiding, including herself. She cursed at Perla for taking the best hiding spot.

The house trembled with every step the monster took. If she wasn’t wrong, the monster was somewhere between the laundry room and the kitchen. On the opposite side of the house from her. Maybe if she got out and tried to open the bedroom window, she could save herself.

Terra started to slowly move the broken board when another loud noise made her stop. The bookshelf had been knocked down. Marcelo’s screams could be heard through the hallway as he tried to run away from the monster. 

“Perla! Save me!” Marcelo begged his sister but Perla didn’t respond. “Per-“

Marcelo’s scream was cut off before he could continue to beg for his sister’s help. Terra could hear some gagging before a terrible ripping sound declared Marcelo’s death. Something, Terra assumed was a piece of Marcelo’s body, was thrown against the hall wall and made a final thud when it hit the floor. 

Terra couldn’t even take a breath when Fani screamed too. Her words were drowned by her sobs. The loud creaking of the door of the washing machine made Terra flinch. When the door shut, Fani’s sobs had stopped.

Three people were left. She didn’t want to die but was fine with it if it meant Lalo lived. Lalo had been the only cousin to be kind to her, and probably too young to realize all the terrible things that had been done to Terra. But Perla had been the worst of them all. Unintentionally, she wiggled her toes, still lamenting the loss of one of her toes. Angry tears filled her eyes. She did her best to wipe them away. She wasn’t going to allow Perla to be the cause of her death too. 

The door to the room opened, and the monster’s heavy steps scared the rats away. The monster’s rancid breath caused the room to become unbreathable. Terra held her breath, in hope it would go away. Every second felt like an eternity. Her body screamed at her to get out of the wardrobe to take a breath and know what was going on. 

Something was lifted and quickly dropped. It was the bed, it had fallen for her trick with the shoes. She felt some relief but quickly froze in place when the monster opened the door to the wardrobe. Terra tried not to move but swore the monster would hear the erratic beating of her heart. The monster pulled the moldy clothes out of the wardrobe, and the rats ran away in fear of the creature. And when she thought she was doomed, the monster gave up and walked out of the room. Terra held back a sigh of relief, the game wasn’t over yet. As the monster made his way back into the hall, Terra heard the closet door opening, and all the junk falling to the floor.

“I can tell you where the other two are hiding if you let me win,” Perla’s voice sounded confident. 

Terra was not sure if Perla was a complete idiot or the smartest person in the world. If anyone knew of Terra’s hiding spot, it would be her. Perla had been the only person she had shared this hiding spot with when they were younger and hiding from the other monster. If the monster agreed, she was doomed.

There was silence for a moment. What if the monster had agreed and now they were silently approaching her hiding spot? Should she have tried to make the same kind of deal with the monster when she had her chance?

“Oh no, my dear. That’s no fun,” the monster responded, “And you just lost.”

There was no response from Perla. All that Terra could hear were the thundering steps of the monster running towards her, so quick that it didn’t give Perla time to scream. 

Before Terra could process what had happened, another loud thud came from the living room. The noise confused her for a second, but then she realized that Lalo had probably fallen as he couldn’t hold on any longer.

Without thinking she scrambled to get out of her hiding spot, hoping to somehow reach Lalo before the monster did. She ignored her better judgment as the monster’s steps begged her to keep hiding. Instead, she broke the board some more as she pushed aside the remaining clothes. As she dragged herself out, she saw the monster enter the living room. 

She ran behind the monster and saw Lalo still under the small table. As she was about to scream to grab the monster’s attention, the monster jumped onto the table, completely crushing Lalo underneath it. Blood splattered through the room and drenched Terra’s clothes. Her scream remained silent as the monster turned to look at her.

“So you were hiding in that old hag’s room, weren't you?”

Terra stood silent, unable to process what she had just seen and all the blood and viscera surrounding her. No, it wasn't that she couldn’t process what she was seeing, it was that she felt happy about it. Happy that they were all gone.

“Come here,” the monster offered a bloodied hand. 

Terra extended her hand to the monster thinking it would probably kill her too. She just hoped it was quick. But instead, he guided her to the house's entrance and opened the door.

“You won. You are now free.”

Terra walked out of the house. When she turned, the monster had closed the door behind her. 

The monster had been right, she was free.

I took a few deep breaths, making sure to be calm before my next client came in. I couldn’t be in the fight or flight or freeze state when he-

“Oh fuck!” I yelled, and my breathing exercises went down the drain.

“Sorry, it really wasn’t my intention to scare you,” he apologized.

”We talked about this before, you have to respect my boundaries," I reminded him, “Next time you just show up without knocking we won’t do the session.”

It was strict, but it was needed with Larry; otherwise, he would keep pushing and see how much he could get away with.

“Sorry, I know I shouldn’t and I won’t again, but you don’t know how much you just helped me right now,” he apologized once more. 

“Then let’s start with that. How did it help?” I looked at him, a little calmer but using all my willpower to not tremble in fear.

“I’ve been having more self-doubts than usual and seeing you freak out when you are usually so composed just gave me a little hope,” he lowered his gaze, avoiding my eyes, forgetting his other eyes were still looking at me.

“It’s not fine but it’s also fine. Thank you for being honest with me,” I redirected the conversation, “Did you use your coping skill when those feelings of anxiety came up?”

“Not really…”, he shrank. This usually happened, and while I appreciated the less scary version of him, I knew this wasn’t good for his mental health.

“What was the reason?” I pushed.

“I don’t know, it felt kind of pointless. I feel I should be able to terrify people without having to rely on them,” he somehow became smaller, and some of the extra arms began to disappear.

”I know it can be hard, but how will you get different results if you are not willing to try?” I softened my voice, “It is hard, and it sucks, but I know you got it in you,” and I allowed the fear in my eyes to show for once, “Look how scared you made me.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” he smiled, a foul smell coming deep within his entrails. No amount of scented candles could fight that odor.

”Then, tell me, what can we change?” I redirected.

“Well, I don’t like messing with technology, but I could turn off the Wifi before going into a room, that puts people on high alert,” he answered annoyed.

“And what else,” I pushed.

“I can work with the background, set up the scene, and,” he paused for a moment, “That’s not me. It used to be so easy! I went into the room, sometimes hid under a bed or in a closet before scaring someone, and now I have to do all this shit! It’s not fair!”

”Times have changed, many people have become desensitized, and fears have changed. It might not be fair, but sometimes we need to push ourselves to new ideas, not necessarily change ourselves, but tweak what we do so we get to the part we enjoy. Does that make sense?” I wasn’t even sure that I was making sense.

”No, but I get what you mean. I need to change the process to get to the fun part, the part that makes me, well, me,” he explained.

”Yeah, so you can turn off the Wifi, as you said, maybe add some spooky atmosphere," I paused to let him continue.

”And then I can scare the crap out of them!” Larry said excitedly. His numerous eyes turned the color of blood and pus. 

“Exactly. Just remember, people can’t die,” I reminded him.

“Yeah, I know. I would lose clientele. That’s why it’s important to know how to get that balance where the person freezes in fear, but doesn’t die from a heart attack. It really is an art,” his body continued to grow and now the arms were back.

“Yes! And you are improving your art,” I heard a little tremor in my voice.

”I had never thought of it that way, now I’m excited to try it out!” He tried to stand but his body was too large to stand straight in the room.

I knew I was going to regret this but I asked, “Would you like to role-play? That way you can practice?”

”Are you sure about it?” He asked a little too excitedly.

”As long as you don't give me a heart attack and promise to knock on the next session,” I answered.

”We got a deal,” he answered excitedly.’

Plan: AMFT will explore coping mechanisms to decrease anxiety when the client is unable to scare his victims and provide psychoeducation on analog horror and its impact in fear.

I took a few deep breaths, making sure to be calm before my next client came in. I couldn’t be in the fight or flight or freeze state when he-

“Oh fuck!” I yelled, and my breathing exercises went down the drain.

“Sorry, it really wasn’t my intention to scare you,” he apologized.

”We talked about this before, you have to respect my boundaries," I reminded him, “Next time you just show up without knocking we won’t do the session.”

It was strict, but it was needed with Larry; otherwise, he would keep pushing and see how much he could get away with.

“Sorry, I know I shouldn’t and I won’t again, but you don’t know how much you just helped me right now,” he apologized once more. 

“Then let’s start with that. How did it help?” I looked at him, a little calmer but using all my willpower to not tremble in fear.

“I’ve been having more self-doubts than usual and seeing you freak out when you are usually so composed just gave me a little hope,” he lowered his gaze, avoiding my eyes, forgetting his other eyes were still looking at me.

“It’s not fine but it’s also fine. Thank you for being honest with me,” I redirected the conversation, “Did you use your coping skill when those feelings of anxiety came up?”

“Not really…”, he shrank. This usually happened, and while I appreciated the less scary version of him, I knew this wasn’t good for his mental health.

“What was the reason?” I pushed.

“I don’t know, it felt kind of pointless. I feel I should be able to terrify people without having to rely on them,” he somehow became smaller, and some of the extra arms began to disappear.

”I know it can be hard, but how will you get different results if you are not willing to try?” I softened my voice, “It is hard, and it sucks, but I know you got it in you,” and I allowed the fear in my eyes to show for once, “Look how scared you made me.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” he smiled, a foul smell coming deep within his entrails. No amount of scented candles could fight that odor.

”Then, tell me, what can we change?” I redirected.

“Well, I don’t like messing with technology, but I could turn off the Wifi before going into a room, that puts people on high alert,” he answered annoyed.

“And what else,” I pushed.

“I can work with the background, set up the scene, and,” he paused for a moment, “That’s not me. It used to be so easy! I went into the room, sometimes hid under a bed or in a closet before scaring someone, and now I have to do all this shit! It’s not fair!”

”Times have changed, many people have become desensitized, and fears have changed. It might not be fair, but sometimes we need to push ourselves to new ideas, not necessarily change ourselves, but tweak what we do so we get to the part we enjoy. Does that make sense?” I wasn’t even sure that I was making sense.

”No, but I get what you mean. I need to change the process to get to the fun part, the part that makes me, well, me,” he explained.

”Yeah, so you can turn off the Wifi, as you said, maybe add some spooky atmosphere," I paused to let him continue.

”And then I can scare the crap out of them!” Larry said excitedly. His numerous eyes turned the color of blood and pus. 

“Exactly. Just remember, people can’t die,” I reminded him.

“Yeah, I know. I would lose clientele. That’s why it’s important to know how to get that balance where the person freezes in fear, but doesn’t die from a heart attack. It really is an art,” his body continued to grow and now the arms were back.

“Yes! And you are improving your art,” I heard a little tremor in my voice.

”I had never thought of it that way, now I’m excited to try it out!” He tried to stand but his body was too large to stand straight in the room.

I knew I was going to regret this but I asked, “Would you like to role-play? That way you can practice?”

”Are you sure about it?” He asked a little too excitedly.

”As long as you don't give me a heart attack and promise to knock on the next session,” I answered.

”We got a deal,” he answered excitedly.’

Plan: AMFT will explore coping mechanisms to decrease anxiety when the client is unable to scare his victims and provide psychoeducation on analog horror and its impact in fear.

“Do you need some help with those?” Finley offered to help with the buckets of water with ice I was carrying into the office.

”Yes, please. I was just about to take them into the office for the session,” I said as I passed the buckets to him.

“Actually, I was going to ask if we could have this session in the bathtub” Finley’s cheeks turned red from embarrassment. 

“Oh yeah, no problem! I’m glad you were able to ask for what you need,” I really was happy, this is one of the things we were working on.

“Thanks!” He smiled as he walked towards the bathroom instead of the office.

I sat down on my chair inside the bathroom as he poured the buckets of water into the tub and then went in with his clothes still on. His face instantly relaxed and I let him settle before starting the session.

”If you knew how hard it is to find cold water in this area,” he allowed himself to submerge further in. He said something in the water but all I could hear were the bubbles bursting as he appeared on the surface.

“Remember I can’t hear you inside the water,” I said.

“Sorry! I forgot, but I was just saying thank you. I truly appreciate the effort you put into making me feel comfortable,” he sat up but made sure most of his body was still submerged. For a second, the illusion fell and I could see his reptilian eyes, but I made sure not to point it out, he was self-conscious about them.

“I do try to make this a safe and comfortable environment but now for the hard part, what brings you here today?” I started the session.

“I know we have talked about it before, but I still feel like I am a disappointment to my dad,” Finley attempted to hide the tears by submerging into the water.

”It’s okay to cry. Remember showing emotions is important for our well-being,” I reassured him.

”Right. I still struggle with that, but I have been working on my ‘I’ statements," he wiped some tears off his eyes. 

“I want you to take a deep breath and tell me, how are you feeling? Take as much time as you need,” I started to take a deep breath too.

Finley ended up needing five minutes of breathing exercises before he could calm himself down and I never rushed him. Instead, I accompanied him until he felt well enough to speak.

”I feel incompetent. My dad was so disappointed at me when I didn’t follow his teaching. And now that my wife is pregnant, I wonder if I did the right thing,” Finley took a few more deep breaths, “It used to be fun, watching my dad catch dinner and teaching me when is the best time to eat each part. And the eyes, he always made sure to give them to me because they are my favorite.”

Your feelings are real. The pain and sadness, but let me ask, would you be where you are right now had you followed in his footsteps?” I confronted him gently.

“No, not really. I wouldn’t have my wife if I had followed my dad’s steps. She probably would have been dinner,” he took another moment to take some deep breaths, “but I still wish my dad would have told me he was proud. I wish he had reached out when he knew he was dying.”

“I know you want to hear those words from your dad, but even if you changed the way you are right now, would it be worth it?” I looked at him as his illusion fell for a second and his slimy reptilian body showed for just a second. I really hoped he decided not to follow his father’s steps because I would have to report him for threatening to hurt others. 

Finley submerged himself one more time. His body switched from that of a human to a reptilian creature and I even saw hooves this time, I hadn’t seen those before. He screamed inside the water, and the bathtub trembled with some of the water spilling out and soaking my shoes.  

When he stopped screaming, he looked human once more. He lifted himself gently from the water and blushed.

“Sorry about the shoes,” he apologized.

”Don’t worry about those. But I do have to ask again, would it be worth it?” I pushed.

“No. No, it wouldn’t,” his voice broke.

”I know I’m pushing a lot right now, but tell me, what is your reasoning?” I continued.

“I wouldn’t have met the love of my life. She is my everything and she is about to give me my second everything,” he said with so much love that it made me want to cry.

“Is there more?” I asked.

“Probably, but not as important as those two. Never more important than them,” he answered.

“It can be hard to break from traditions and what we were taught was the right thing, sometimes-“

“It is, but not harder than it would be to lose them,” he finally looked up, with renewed determination.

“What is the plan now?” I inquired.

“I will follow my dad’s footsteps in certain things, like teaching them how long the bodies must be down in the water before consuming, when it’s the best time to eat each part, and always give them the eyeballs if that is what they like best,” he smiled and then looked at me, “Have you ever tried eyeballs?”

“I haven’t and I might skip on that one,” I laughed.

“You are missing out. But if you ever want to give them a try, just let me know,” he laughed too.

By the end of the session, Finley talked about the names he and his wife had discussed for the baby. He talked about the future with more hope than usual. After helping me clean out the water he spilled on the floor, he headed home, ready to spend the rest of the evening with his wife.

Plan: LMFT will assess the client for intent to hurt others and collaborate with the client to identify coping skills to use to decrease anxiety so his illusion does not dissipate in front of others.

“Do you need some help with those?” Finley offered to help with the buckets of water with ice I was carrying into the office.

”Yes, please. I was just about to take them into the office for the session,” I said as I passed the buckets to him.

“Actually, I was going to ask if we could have this session in the bathtub” Finley’s cheeks turned red from embarrassment. 

“Oh yeah, no problem! I’m glad you were able to ask for what you need,” I really was happy, this is one of the things we were working on.

“Thanks!” He smiled as he walked towards the bathroom instead of the office.

I sat down on my chair inside the bathroom as he poured the buckets of water into the tub and then went in with his clothes still on. His face instantly relaxed and I let him settle before starting the session.

”If you knew how hard it is to find cold water in this area,” he allowed himself to submerge further in. He said something in the water but all I could hear were the bubbles bursting as he appeared on the surface.

“Remember I can’t hear you inside the water,” I said.

“Sorry! I forgot, but I was just saying thank you. I truly appreciate the effort you put into making me feel comfortable,” he sat up but made sure most of his body was still submerged. For a second, the illusion fell and I could see his reptilian eyes, but I made sure not to point it out, he was self-conscious about them.

“I do try to make this a safe and comfortable environment but now for the hard part, what brings you here today?” I started the session.

“I know we have talked about it before, but I still feel like I am a disappointment to my dad,” Finley attempted to hide the tears by submerging into the water.

”It’s okay to cry. Remember showing emotions is important for our well-being,” I reassured him.

”Right. I still struggle with that, but I have been working on my ‘I’ statements," he wiped some tears off his eyes. 

“I want you to take a deep breath and tell me, how are you feeling? Take as much time as you need,” I started to take a deep breath too.

Finley ended up needing five minutes of breathing exercises before he could calm himself down and I never rushed him. Instead, I accompanied him until he felt well enough to speak.

”I feel incompetent. My dad was so disappointed at me when I didn’t follow his teaching. And now that my wife is pregnant, I wonder if I did the right thing,” Finley took a few more deep breaths, “It used to be fun, watching my dad catch dinner and teaching me when is the best time to eat each part. And the eyes, he always made sure to give them to me because they are my favorite.”

Your feelings are real. The pain and sadness, but let me ask, would you be where you are right now had you followed in his footsteps?” I confronted him gently.

“No, not really. I wouldn’t have my wife if I had followed my dad’s steps. She probably would have been dinner,” he took another moment to take some deep breaths, “but I still wish my dad would have told me he was proud. I wish he had reached out when he knew he was dying.”

“I know you want to hear those words from your dad, but even if you changed the way you are right now, would it be worth it?” I looked at him as his illusion fell for a second and his slimy reptilian body showed for just a second. I really hoped he decided not to follow his father’s steps because I would have to report him for threatening to hurt others. 

Finley submerged himself one more time. His body switched from that of a human to a reptilian creature and I even saw hooves this time, I hadn’t seen those before. He screamed inside the water, and the bathtub trembled with some of the water spilling out and soaking my shoes.  

When he stopped screaming, he looked human once more. He lifted himself gently from the water and blushed.

“Sorry about the shoes,” he apologized.

”Don’t worry about those. But I do have to ask again, would it be worth it?” I pushed.

“No. No, it wouldn’t,” his voice broke.

”I know I’m pushing a lot right now, but tell me, what is your reasoning?” I continued.

“I wouldn’t have met the love of my life. She is my everything and she is about to give me my second everything,” he said with so much love that it made me want to cry.

“Is there more?” I asked.

“Probably, but not as important as those two. Never more important than them,” he answered.

“It can be hard to break from traditions and what we were taught was the right thing, sometimes-“

“It is, but not harder than it would be to lose them,” he finally looked up, with renewed determination.

“What is the plan now?” I inquired.

“I will follow my dad’s footsteps in certain things, like teaching them how long the bodies must be down in the water before consuming, when it’s the best time to eat each part, and always give them the eyeballs if that is what they like best,” he smiled and then looked at me, “Have you ever tried eyeballs?”

“I haven’t and I might skip on that one,” I laughed.

“You are missing out. But if you ever want to give them a try, just let me know,” he laughed too.

By the end of the session, Finley talked about the names he and his wife had discussed for the baby. He talked about the future with more hope than usual. After helping me clean out the water he spilled on the floor, he headed home, ready to spend the rest of the evening with his wife.

Plan: LMFT will assess the client for intent to hurt others and collaborate with the client to identify coping skills to use to decrease anxiety so his illusion does not dissipate in front of others.

“Do you need some help with those?” Finley offered to help with the buckets of water with ice I was carrying into the office.

”Yes, please. I was just about to take them into the office for the session,” I said as I passed the buckets to him.

“Actually, I was going to ask if we could have this session in the bathtub” Finley’s cheeks turned red from embarrassment. 

“Oh yeah, no problem! I’m glad you were able to ask for what you need,” I really was happy, this is one of the things we were working on.

“Thanks!” He smiled as he walked towards the bathroom instead of the office.

I sat down on my chair inside the bathroom as he poured the buckets of water into the tub and then went in with his clothes still on. His face instantly relaxed and I let him settle before starting the session.

”If you knew how hard it is to find cold water in this area,” he allowed himself to submerge further in. He said something in the water but all I could hear were the bubbles bursting as he appeared on the surface.

“Remember I can’t hear you inside the water,” I said.

“Sorry! I forgot, but I was just saying thank you. I truly appreciate the effort you put into making me feel comfortable,” he sat up but made sure most of his body was still submerged. For a second, the illusion fell and I could see his reptilian eyes, but I made sure not to point it out, he was self-conscious about them.

“I do try to make this a safe and comfortable environment but now for the hard part, what brings you here today?” I started the session.

“I know we have talked about it before, but I still feel like I am a disappointment to my dad,” Finley attempted to hide the tears by submerging into the water.

”It’s okay to cry. Remember showing emotions is important for our well-being,” I reassured him.

”Right. I still struggle with that, but I have been working on my ‘I’ statements," he wiped some tears off his eyes. 

“I want you to take a deep breath and tell me, how are you feeling? Take as much time as you need,” I started to take a deep breath too.

Finley ended up needing five minutes of breathing exercises before he could calm himself down and I never rushed him. Instead, I accompanied him until he felt well enough to speak.

”I feel incompetent. My dad was so disappointed at me when I didn’t follow his teaching. And now that my wife is pregnant, I wonder if I did the right thing,” Finley took a few more deep breaths, “It used to be fun, watching my dad catch dinner and teaching me when is the best time to eat each part. And the eyes, he always made sure to give them to me because they are my favorite.”

Your feelings are real. The pain and sadness, but let me ask, would you be where you are right now had you followed in his footsteps?” I confronted him gently.

“No, not really. I wouldn’t have my wife if I had followed my dad’s steps. She probably would have been dinner,” he took another moment to take some deep breaths, “but I still wish my dad would have told me he was proud. I wish he had reached out when he knew he was dying.”

“I know you want to hear those words from your dad, but even if you changed the way you are right now, would it be worth it?” I looked at him as his illusion fell for a second and his slimy reptilian body showed for just a second. I really hoped he decided not to follow his father’s steps because I would have to report him for threatening to hurt others. 

Finley submerged himself one more time. His body switched from that of a human to a reptilian creature and I even saw hooves this time, I hadn’t seen those before. He screamed inside the water, and the bathtub trembled with some of the water spilling out and soaking my shoes.  

When he stopped screaming, he looked human once more. He lifted himself gently from the water and blushed.

“Sorry about the shoes,” he apologized.

”Don’t worry about those. But I do have to ask again, would it be worth it?” I pushed.

“No. No, it wouldn’t,” his voice broke.

”I know I’m pushing a lot right now, but tell me, what is your reasoning?” I continued.

“I wouldn’t have met the love of my life. She is my everything and she is about to give me my second everything,” he said with so much love that it made me want to cry.

“Is there more?” I asked.

“Probably, but not as important as those two. Never more important than them,” he answered.

“It can be hard to break from traditions and what we were taught was the right thing, sometimes-“

“It is, but not harder than it would be to lose them,” he finally looked up, with renewed determination.

“What is the plan now?” I inquired.

“I will follow my dad’s footsteps in certain things, like teaching them how long the bodies must be down in the water before consuming, when it’s the best time to eat each part, and always give them the eyeballs if that is what they like best,” he smiled and then looked at me, “Have you ever tried eyeballs?”

“I haven’t and I might skip on that one,” I laughed.

“You are missing out. But if you ever want to give them a try, just let me know,” he laughed too.

By the end of the session, Finley talked about the names he and his wife had discussed for the baby. He talked about the future with more hope than usual. After helping me clean out the water he spilled on the floor, he headed home, ready to spend the rest of the evening with his wife.

Plan: LMFT will assess the client for intent to hurt others and collaborate with the client to identify coping skills to use to decrease anxiety so his illusion does not dissipate in front of others.

I’ve been working as a therapist for the past five years.I work with all kinds of cases, the most common being depression and anxiety. But, I also take some of the more unconventional cases.

Talking about these cases for sure is a HIPAA violation but I will say, I do have permission from every client I will be talking about. All they asked for is that I change their names and more personal information private. With this said, let me start with one of my late night clients, Clara, who comes in once a week at 11pm.

“May I come in?” Clara looked particularly exhausted

”You may come in,” I waved for her to come into the office.

“What is that smell? It’s amazing!” Clara took in the smell as she made herself comfortable on the small sofa. 

“I bought some rose-scented candles. I’m glad you like them! But if they ever become too much, please do tell me. I can leave just the unscented candles on,” I reassured her, knowing she was sensitive to smells.

”No, it’s all right. It reminds me of something, I’m just not sure what,” her mind drifted for a moment. I made note of this for later sessions.

“Maybe later on we will figure it out, but I’m glad it made you relaxed a little. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you looked stressed when you came in” I said more than asked.

“Yeah, I think they are catching on me. So I might have to quit,” she wiped tears from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I know you really like working there. I also have to ask, did you eat today?” I noticed she kept looking at the small cut on my hand, my bad.

“No…” finally took her eyes away from my hand.

“And what happens when you don’t eat?” I tried being gentle but this was a serious matter.

“I go on a murderous rampage and have to start all over,” she paused for a moment, “And I don’t want to be that person anymore.”

“You aren’t,” I reassured her, “You have changed. You haven’t gone on a murderous rampage for at least the last 40 years, which is longer than I have been alive. But, you do need to practice your self care. So tell me, how will you be practicing self-care this week?”

“I have to keep up with my daily meals, do some journaling, and maybe some needlework. Sorry, I’m just worried about the job,” her eyes filled with tears once more, “I really like it there.”

“What makes you think you think they are catching on?” I had an idea of what she would say, this was an insecurity of hers for some time now.

“Well, you know how they do inventory every week, this week they said more stuff than usual was missing and I just knew they would be onto me! Some of my co-workers already joke that I’m a vampire because of my ‘sun allergy’ and now the missing blood. Who the heck is not going to connect the points. And when they do and the persecutions start-“

“Let’s take a deep breath. This is stressful but let’s look at the facts. Have they ever fired anyone in the past three years you have worked there for missing stuff?” I asked her to fight her irrational thoughts.

“Not really. Only Joey, but he kept arriving high has hell to work,” Clara answered, still unconvinced.

“Have you ever had blood in front of anyone?” I continued.

”No. I have a good system to take the blood and have it at home instead.”

“And?” I continued pushing, wanting her to come up with the next rational thought.

“And people don’t believe in vampires,” Clara took another deep breath.

“I honestly believe you will be fine. From what you've told me, people like you,” I took a deep breath alongside Clara to keep her calm.

“Yeah,” Clara’s eyes became dreamy, “I don’t know how I forgot to tell you this! But William asked me out! I didn’t even have to use hypnosis or anything!”

“Told you that people liked you for you. And I’m pretty sure using hypnosis on others is something I would have to report,” I said cautiously.

“You didn’t report the people I drained of their blood,”she shrugged.

“Because according to you, the last person you killed was at least 50 years ago. But please, if you did something more recent, maybe we don’t talk about it here?” I half joked.

“I trust you. So if I ever feel like sucking someone’s blood, I will call you first,” she winked at me.

“Now, about William…” 

“I was worried you would head there,” she interrupted, “I will tell him, I just need a little more time”.

”Well, we could do some role playing so you can practice telling him-“

”I didn’t know you were into that kind of stuff,” she joked.

”I totally am. But let’s not avoid the topic and get to it,” I redirected.

“Fine, but can I have the band aid in your trash can or can you at least take it out? It’s driving me crazy,” Clara begged.

“Let me get it out. I’m pretty sure having my blood is a HIPAA violation,” I half joked.

“I won’t tell!” she yelled at me as I took out the whole trash can. 

By the end of session, Clara agreed that she would talk with William and she would continue eating properly. Where she would or not, we would see in the next session. And for William’s sake, I hope he is not an ass when she tells him the truth. I still don’t know what became of the last guy who rejected her and it’s better to keep it that way. 

Plan: LMFT will assess the client’s use of self-care skills to decrease anxiety and the possibly of engaging on a murderous rampage.

I’ve been working as a therapist for the past five years.I work with all kinds of cases, the most common being depression and anxiety. But, I also take some of the more unconventional cases.

Talking about these cases for sure is a HIPAA violation but I will say, I do have permission from every client I will be talking about. All they asked for is that I change their names and more personal information private. With this said, let me start with one of my late night clients, Clara, who comes in once a week at 11pm.

“May I come in?” Clara looked particularly exhausted

”You may come in,” I waved for her to come into the office.

“What is that smell? It’s amazing!” Clara took in the smell as she made herself comfortable on the small sofa. 

“I bought some rose-scented candles. I’m glad you like them! But if they ever become too much, please do tell me. I can leave just the unscented candles on,” I reassured her, knowing she was sensitive to smells.

”No, it’s all right. It reminds me of something, I’m just not sure what,” her mind drifted for a moment. I made note of this for later sessions.

“Maybe later on we will figure it out, but I’m glad it made you relaxed a little. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you looked stressed when you came in” I said more than asked.

“Yeah, I think they are catching on me. So I might have to quit,” she wiped tears from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I know you really like working there. I also have to ask, did you eat today?” I noticed she kept looking at the small cut on my hand, my bad.

“No…” finally took her eyes away from my hand.

“And what happens when you don’t eat?” I tried being gentle but this was a serious matter.

“I go on a murderous rampage and have to start all over,” she paused for a moment, “And I don’t want to be that person anymore.”

“You aren’t,” I reassured her, “You have changed. You haven’t gone on a murderous rampage for at least the last 40 years, which is longer than I have been alive. But, you do need to practice your self care. So tell me, how will you be practicing self-care this week?”

“I have to keep up with my daily meals, do some journaling, and maybe some needlework. Sorry, I’m just worried about the job,” her eyes filled with tears once more, “I really like it there.”

“What makes you think you think they are catching on?” I had an idea of what she would say, this was an insecurity of hers for some time now.

“Well, you know how they do inventory every week, this week they said more stuff than usual was missing and I just knew they would be onto me! Some of my co-workers already joke that I’m a vampire because of my ‘sun allergy’ and now the missing blood. Who the heck is not going to connect the points. And when they do and the persecutions start-“

“Let’s take a deep breath. This is stressful but let’s look at the facts. Have they ever fired anyone in the past three years you have worked there for missing stuff?” I asked her to fight her irrational thoughts.

“Not really. Only Joey, but he kept arriving high has hell to work,” Clara answered, still unconvinced.

“Have you ever had blood in front of anyone?” I continued.

”No. I have a good system to take the blood and have it at home instead.”

“And?” I continued pushing, wanting her to come up with the next rational thought.

“And people don’t believe in vampires,” Clara took another deep breath.

“I honestly believe you will be fine. From what you've told me, people like you,” I took a deep breath alongside Clara to keep her calm.

“Yeah,” Clara’s eyes became dreamy, “I don’t know how I forgot to tell you this! But William asked me out! I didn’t even have to use hypnosis or anything!”

“Told you that people liked you for you. And I’m pretty sure using hypnosis on others is something I would have to report,” I said cautiously.

“You didn’t report the people I drained of their blood,”she shrugged.

“Because according to you, the last person you killed was at least 50 years ago. But please, if you did something more recent, maybe we don’t talk about it here?” I half joked.

“I trust you. So if I ever feel like sucking someone’s blood, I will call you first,” she winked at me.

“Now, about William…” 

“I was worried you would head there,” she interrupted, “I will tell him, I just need a little more time”.

”Well, we could do some role playing so you can practice telling him-“

”I didn’t know you were into that kind of stuff,” she joked.

”I totally am. But let’s not avoid the topic and get to it,” I redirected.

“Fine, but can I have the band aid in your trash can or can you at least take it out? It’s driving me crazy,” Clara begged.

“Let me get it out. I’m pretty sure having my blood is a HIPAA violation,” I half joked.

“I won’t tell!” she yelled at me as I took out the whole trash can. 

By the end of session, Clara agreed that she would talk with William and she would continue eating properly. Where she would or not, we would see in the next session. And for William’s sake, I hope he is not an ass when she tells him the truth. I still don’t know what became of the last guy who rejected her and it’s better to keep it that way. 

Plan: LMFT will assess the client’s use of self-care skills to decrease anxiety and the possibly of engaging on a murderous rampage.

I’ve been working as a therapist for the past five years.I work with all kinds of cases, the most common being depression and anxiety. But, I also take some of the more unconventional cases.

Talking about these cases for sure is a HIPAA violation but I will say, I do have permission from every client I will be talking about. All they asked for is that I change their names and more personal information private. With this said, let me start with one of my late night clients, Clara, who comes in once a week at 11pm.

“May I come in?” Clara looked particularly exhausted

”You may come in,” I waved for her to come into the office.

“What is that smell? It’s amazing!” Clara took in the smell as she made herself comfortable on the small sofa. 

“I bought some rose-scented candles. I’m glad you like them! But if they ever become too much, please do tell me. I can leave just the unscented candles on,” I reassured her, knowing she was sensitive to smells.

”No, it’s all right. It reminds me of something, I’m just not sure what,” her mind drifted for a moment. I made note of this for later sessions.

“Maybe later on we will figure it out, but I’m glad it made you relaxed a little. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you looked stressed when you came in” I said more than asked.

“Yeah, I think they are catching on me. So I might have to quit,” she wiped tears from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I know you really like working there. I also have to ask, did you eat today?” I noticed she kept looking at the small cut on my hand, my bad.

“No…” finally took her eyes away from my hand.

“And what happens when you don’t eat?” I tried being gentle but this was a serious matter.

“I go on a murderous rampage and have to start all over,” she paused for a moment, “And I don’t want to be that person anymore.”

“You aren’t,” I reassured her, “You have changed. You haven’t gone on a murderous rampage for at least the last 40 years, which is longer than I have been alive. But, you do need to practice your self care. So tell me, how will you be practicing self-care this week?”

“I have to keep up with my daily meals, do some journaling, and maybe some needlework. Sorry, I’m just worried about the job,” her eyes filled with tears once more, “I really like it there.”

“What makes you think you think they are catching on?” I had an idea of what she would say, this was an insecurity of hers for some time now.

“Well, you know how they do inventory every week, this week they said more stuff than usual was missing and I just knew they would be onto me! Some of my co-workers already joke that I’m a vampire because of my ‘sun allergy’ and now the missing blood. Who the heck is not going to connect the points. And when they do and the persecutions start-“

“Let’s take a deep breath. This is stressful but let’s look at the facts. Have they ever fired anyone in the past three years you have worked there for missing stuff?” I asked her to fight her irrational thoughts.

“Not really. Only Joey, but he kept arriving high has hell to work,” Clara answered, still unconvinced.

“Have you ever had blood in front of anyone?” I continued.

”No. I have a good system to take the blood and have it at home instead.”

“And?” I continued pushing, wanting her to come up with the next rational thought.

“And people don’t believe in vampires,” Clara took another deep breath.

“I honestly believe you will be fine. From what you've told me, people like you,” I took a deep breath alongside Clara to keep her calm.

“Yeah,” Clara’s eyes became dreamy, “I don’t know how I forgot to tell you this! But William asked me out! I didn’t even have to use hypnosis or anything!”

“Told you that people liked you for you. And I’m pretty sure using hypnosis on others is something I would have to report,” I said cautiously.

“You didn’t report the people I drained of their blood,”she shrugged.

“Because according to you, the last person you killed was at least 50 years ago. But please, if you did something more recent, maybe we don’t talk about it here?” I half joked.

“I trust you. So if I ever feel like sucking someone’s blood, I will call you first,” she winked at me.

“Now, about William…” 

“I was worried you would head there,” she interrupted, “I will tell him, I just need a little more time”.

”Well, we could do some role playing so you can practice telling him-“

”I didn’t know you were into that kind of stuff,” she joked.

”I totally am. But let’s not avoid the topic and get to it,” I redirected.

“Fine, but can I have the band aid in your trash can or can you at least take it out? It’s driving me crazy,” Clara begged.

“Let me get it out. I’m pretty sure having my blood is a HIPAA violation,” I half joked.

“I won’t tell!” she yelled at me as I took out the whole trash can. 

By the end of session, Clara agreed that she would talk with William and she would continue eating properly. Where she would or not, we would see in the next session. And for William’s sake, I hope he is not an ass when she tells him the truth. I still don’t know what became of the last guy who rejected her and it’s better to keep it that way. 

Plan: LMFT will assess the client’s use of self-care skills to decrease anxiety and the possibly of engaging on a murderous rampage.