Page 4 of Examining Ella

“Yeah.”

He nodded. “And you were having some troubles at work. Things were stressful.”

She shifted on the exam table, causing the thin, white paper beneath her to crinkle. “Running a small business is tough.”

“Still stressing you out?”

“It’s always stressing me out.”

He nodded again, giving her an understanding smile.

A few seconds passed before he said, “Well, the lab results will tell us more. But I suspect they’ll be normal, just like they were three months ago. So, that’s the good news. I don’t think there’s anything wrong that would require long-term treatment.

“But I do think you need a lifestyle change.”

Oh great, Ella thought. This is where he’s going to tell me to lose weight and exercise. See, he knows I’m fat.

But instead, he said, “I think you’re stressed out. Remember what I said about mental health being tied to our physical health? You’ve had some big life changes recently. Your kids moving away is no small thing, Ella. Add the stress from work—and your negative self-image—and you have the recipe for a disaster.”

He let his words sink in. She shifted once again while looking down at the floor.

“Now, the good news,” Dr. Kirk continued, “is that this hasn’t reached crisis level yet. But it’s not hyperbole to say it might, if you don’t make some changes.”

“Like what?” she said. “I can’t really do much about work. And my kids…”

He smiled reassuringly. “I’m not trying to downplay any of it, Ella. I know it’s stressful and I’m sorry.”

She knew he was being genuine. She had to fight the urge to lunge forward, throwing her body against his and wrapping her arms around him. But a hug sure would feel nice right now.

“I certainly recommend therapy. I think we can all benefit from seeing a therapist at certain points in our life. Just talking things out can work wonders. Plus, a clinician can help you cultivate positive coping strategies.”

She nodded. She’d been thinking about seeing one. She made a mental note to set up an appointment later that day.

“Also, what’s something you’d love to do? Something that is realistic and attainable?” he asked.

She fought hard to suppress a smile. She couldn’t tell him what she really wanted to do. What she truly needed.

Because what her soul craved was regression.

Regression with a strong, sexy Daddy like him would be even better.

But she’d settle for simply regressing in a care-free environment.

She needed Little Space.

Chapter Three

It took Ella a few moments to respond to the doctor’s question.

Finally, she said, “I guess I could use a little break. Like a getaway.”

“Is traveling something you enjoy?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. It can sure soothe the soul. I’m heading out of town myself here in a few days.

“Whatever you do, just make sure it’s something you would truly enjoy and not something that would add more stress. If you can’t travel right now, then think of something smaller. A hobby you’ve neglected. A visit with an old friend. Something like that. I recommend you take a whole weekend and just focus on you.” He offered a soft smile, and the warmth in his eyes was evident. “Ella, your kids are going to be fine. They’re probably having the time of their lives, getting used to college and all that. You don’t have to focus all your energy on them now. It’s okay to prioritize your own needs for a while. In fact, that’s the doctor’s orders.”

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