Page 99 of Bloom: Part 2

I froze, my pulse quickening. “What do you mean?”

“I sense something is troubling you.”

I sat upright. “Do you have to disclose any information we talk about if it has to do with a crime?”

“God forbid no. If that were the case, our clients wouldn’t trust us. The only time we have to report what you say is if it can prevent someone from being injured. Past incidents are kept confidential.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

I chewed on my bottom lip, tugged on my shirt, then smoothed my hands down my thighs. “I lost it a few days ago.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought Logan was cheating on me, but I found out someone wanted to harm him. I got really upset and couldn’t control my rage.”

“You…killed him?”

“Yes, and even after, I…I kept stabbing him. I haven’t told this to anyone—not even Logan—but when I was stabbing him, it wasn’t his face I was seeing.”

Dr. Simms leaned forward. “Whose face were you seeing?”

“A man. Then a woman. I think they’re my parents.”

“You were reliving what happened when you killed them.”

“I think so. I’m worried about Logan finding out. He knows I killed the man but not how he died.”

“Why are you worried about what Logan thinks?”

“Because I don’t want him to see me as a monster.”

“Do you think you’re a monster?”

The carpet had a brown spot, like someone had spilled a splotch of coffee. That stain held my focus. “Yes.”

“What if I can assure you that you’re most definitely not a monster? Do you know what you are, Bloom?”

“What am I?”

“You’re a young man with a tragic past and repressed memories. If you want to know what’s the deeper reason behind what you are today, you must find those memories and embrace them.”

“You want to use hypnotherapy again, don’t you?”

“Only because it can bring clarity to what happened so many years ago. Don’t tell me you’ve never wondered what those memories are that you’ve locked away in your subconscious.”

“I don’t think I’ll like what’s in there. Maybe it’s a good thing they’re locked away.”

“Or it can help to improve your intimacy and overall relationship with Logan. Don’t you wish for complete honesty with the man you’re about to marry?”

I squirmed, wanting to tuck my legs up to my chest. “Okay, but if I don’t like it, you have to stop.”

“Of course. You’re in control here. Let’s try a guided exercise. Trust me, Bloom. This will help.”

I nodded slowly, unsure but too exhausted to argue. He instructed me to close my eyes, his voice lulling me into a trance.

“Let’s delve into the reasons you killed that man in such a horrific manner,” he said softly. “Let’s uncover what’s truly driving you. You’re four years old. Where are you?”

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