Page 46 of Semblance

(silence)

Dr. Rosenburg: Are you upset that your parent’s killer hasn’t been caught yet?

Shadow: No.

Dr. Rosenburg: Why not?

Shadow: Because I want to find the killer myself and cut off the hands he used to kill my mom and dad. And then I’m going to tie him to a chair, pour gasoline over him, and set him on fire. If the cops catch him, they’ll throw him in prison where he’ll grow old and die. He’ll never get what he deserves.

Dr. Rosenburg: Revenge won’t bring your parents back Shadow. You understand that, don’t you?

Shadow: Yes doctor. I know my parents are gone. I also know that if this killer is dead too, he’ll never be able to murder someone else’s parents again.

Dr. Rosenburg: Does it make you sad thinking of hurting someone else instead of enjoying what life has to offer?

Shadow: Life has nothing to offer me.

Dr. Rosenburg: Life has plenty to offer you Shadow. Can you close your eyes Shadow, just for a moment?

Shadow: Why?

Dr. Rosenburg: Trust me.

Shadow: I don’t trust anyone.

Dr. Rosenburg: I’m your friend Shadow. You can trust me.

Shadow: Would you still be my friend if you weren’t getting paid a thousand bucks every time we meet?

Dr. Rosenburg: Please. Close your eyes.

Shadow: Fine.

Dr. Rosenburg: Good. Now I want you to picture yourself standing on the top of a green, grassy hill. There’s a gentle breeze blowing as the warmth of the sun’s rays shines down on your skin. Far off in the distance is a beautiful blue ocean, the sounds of water bringing you both peace and tranquility. As you stand there, I want you to picture the fresh smells of—

Shadow: This is a bunch of crap.

Dr. Rosenburg: You were doing so well.

Shadow: No, I wasn’t. What you don’t realize is that every time I close my eyes, the only thing I can picture are my parents, lying on the floor, blood draining from my father’s open neck and the multiple holes in my mom’s body. Their blood mixed together looks like red, rusted paint. Their eyes are both open. They look terrified. I always thought my father was never afraid of anything, but the truth is, my father was afraid of dying. I saw it on his face.

Dr. Rosenburg: Are you afraid of dying Shadow?

Shadow: I’m afraid of dying before I catch the fucker that ruined my life.

Dr. Rosenburg: Your life isn’t ruined. Just look at your sister. She’s doing very well for herself. I want you to use her as both inspiration and means of support.

Shadow: My sister never saw my parent’s bodies. I was the one who discovered them. But I’m glad it happened that way, and that Calisto doesn’t know the horrors surrounding their death. Did you know the cops said that my dad was stabbed in the throat first and as he was dying, the killer tried sawing off his head with the knife? That was why my dad’s head was tilted back at such a weird angle.

Dr. Rosenburg: The police should never have told you such a thing.

Shadow: I’m a Tremaine, doctor. If I want information on something, I’ll find a way to get it.

Dr. Rosenburg: Perhaps we should increase the frequency of our sessions.

Shadow: Why? So you can double the money you earn? I don’t think so.

Dr. Rosenburg: Shadow, I’m here to help you. I want you to get better.

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