Page 120 of Rather: The Therapist

“Thank you.”

“Thank me?” I asked, pointing at my chest.

I was unsure of why he wanted to thank me or what I’d done for him to show his appreciation.

“There’s no one else at the table, Rose.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Princeton has been in your care for only a little while. The improvements ar– they’re incredible, Rose. I’m not sure what those days consist of or what you two have done in the two sessions you’ve had, but he’s better.”

“His temperament. His attention span. His eye contact. His sleep patterns. His behavior. He feels like a new boy. I almost don’t recognize him. I mean– I do. But, he’s different. I’ve always thought he was perfect, but damn. I’m not sure what to classify this new kid as.”

“We’ve done very little in sessions, but we’ve made tremendous progress. With children just like Princeton, it’s imperative we build trust first. That’s been the goal for me.”

“We spent the first day on the sofa. The second, we finished Toy Story and conversed about our favorite parts while he finished a colors-by-the-number illustration of Woody. He didn’t need assistance.”

“I framed the finished product.”

“It was frame-worthy.”

“Time. Affection. Attention.”

“Hm?”

“That’s your angle with Princeton?”

“No. Not exactly. It just happens he’s part of a family I’m marrying into, so those things come along with the plan I’ve put in place. They’re added benefits of family therapy.”

“They’re making all the difference. He only knows us, blood relatives. Nikola has been by his side since birth, so he considers her one of us, too.”

“He’s been longing for a relationship with someone outside of his immediate circle.”

“He’s been longing for a mother,” Priest revealed, eyes penetrating parts of me that should’ve been reserved for my future spouse.

I swallowed the ball of nothingness in my throat. The room grew warmer. I took a quick look around, wondering if something had caught fire from the open flames. It didn’t take long for me to realize it was me. But, the candles weren’t the cause. Priest was the culprit.

“Figure,” he finished with a tilt of the head.

“I know someone just like him.” Teddy crossed my mind. “Five to be exact.”

My mother was the figure in Chem’s life that Princeton was searching for.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” He sat back in his chair, loosening his limbs in the process.

“The gifts.”

He scratched the side of his face though I was certain it wasn’t itching.

“That was hardly enough, Rose. You deserve more.”

“I won’t protest.”

“I won’t let you.”

I could feel the sides of my lips split as all of my teeth were put on full display. Coyly, I shook my head.

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