Page 66 of The Barren Luna

Dr. Jackson: “I think you are right. Would you like to have pups?”

Patient no. 49675: “I would.”

Dr. Jackson: “Do you think you want them for the right reasons?”

Patient no. 49675: “That's another thing I’ve thought about extensively. It used to be that I wanted them so that I could prove something to the pack, or Henry, or his mother. But ever since Dotty died, I’ve been feeling a void in my life, a desire to recreate that loving bond that I shared with her. I want to be what she was for me to someone. Is that a good reason to have pups?”

Dr. Jackson: “The very best.”

March 20, 2021

…

Dr. Jackson: “Now that you mentioned it, are you still satisfied with Charlie’s fitness regimen?”

Patient no. 49675: “I really am! Not only am I back to my former strength and stamina, but I am also enjoying myself.”

Dr. Jackson: “Are Mariah and Qasim still in the same group as you?”

Patient no. 49675: “They are, although I suspect they’ve stayed back solely because of me. They are both clearly on their way to military careers – Mariah is a genius when it comes to combat and strategy. Her mind, I’ve never seen anything like it. Sharp as a razor.”

Dr. Jackson: “I would like to play chess against her someday.”

Patient no. 49675: “I swear, she can predict my moves before I've even thought of them. I don’t know how she does it.”

Dr. Jackson: “Would you like to be able to do that? Predict what’s gonna happen?”

Patient no. 49675: “I hate when you pretend not to know the answer to something. Stop laughing.”

Dr. Jackson: “Very well. What about Qasim, what would you say is his superpower?”

Patient no. 49675: “His optimism. He is like a goofy, lovable younger brother who sees the best in everything.”

Dr. Jackson: “Why do you consider that a superpower?”

Patient no. 49675: “I don’t know. Maybe I just wanted to answer your question and that was the first thing that came to mind. Maybe it’s an age thing. He’s only 18 and has his whole life ahead of him.”

Dr. Jackson: “And you don’t?”

Patient no. 49675: “Not like he does.”

March 26, 2021

…

Dr. Jackson: “What on Earth did you put in that cake you brought me last time? It was mind-blowing; I’ve never felt so seduced by a cake before!”

Patient no. 49675: “I’m glad you liked it. You probably tasted the cardamom.”

Dr. Jackson: “I have no idea, I’ve always been useless in the kitchen. But based on that cake alone, I can tell you that you have chosen your calling correctly.”

Patient no. 49675: “Thank you. I do feel like it’s my calling. I used to mention it jokingly or minimize its importance to me, I even dismissed it as being nothing but a hobby, but I’m truly the happiest when I’m cooking.”

Dr. Jackson: “Have you developed any new recipes lately?”

Patient no. 49675: “I’m working on a few right now, actually. Want to be my guinea pig?”

Dr. Jackson: “Absolutely.”

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