Page 44 of The Therapist

Nora, Aubry, and Eve dig in without hesitation, comfortable in my space in a way that makes it feel less like an interrogation and more like a gathering of old friends.

But we all know why they’re here.

“So,” Aubry starts, mouth half-full of noodles, “let’s talk about the guy you conveniently forgot to mention.”

I exhale, staring at the untouched food on my plate. “I didn’t forget.”

Eve smirks. “Just omitted.”

Nora tilts her head, ever patient. “Tell us about him.”

I hesitate. But these women—these former patients, these friends—have earned my honesty.

“His name is Cooper,” I say, forcing myself to meet their eyes. “And I fell in love with him.”

Silence.

Aubry is the first to react, eyes widening. “You fell in love with your patient?”

I nod. “It wasn’t supposed to happen. It shouldn’t have happened.”

Eve leans back, skeptical. “What was it about him?”

I take a deep breath. “He watched people. That was his thing—his proclivity, I guess. He watched me.” I swallow hard. “At first, it was unnerving. But then… I don’t know. It felt different. Like he saw me in a way no one else ever had.”

Nora’s brow furrows. “And you thought he loved you?”

I let out a humorless laugh. “I thought he did. He said things—intense, poetic things. Made me feel like I was the only person in the world who truly mattered to him.” I shake my head. “But then, after months together, I asked him. I asked if he loved me.”

Aubry leans forward. “And?”

I tighten my grip on my fork. “He didn’t answer.”

Another silence. This one heavier.

“So I left,” I finish, voice quieter now. “He got caught shortly after by some guests at his bed and breakfast.”

Nora gasps. “Wait. What bed and breakfast?”

I cringe. “The Ocean Voyeur.”

“Oh my god, Dr. R., Liam and I stayed there.”

I nod.

Aubry and Eve sit slack-jawed. “Do you think…” Nora drifts off.

Again, I nod. “I’m certain he probably watched you two.”

Nora shudders, although not in the repulsed way I thought she would.

“A month ago, a letter arrived from him. More like a small novel if I’m honest.”

“What’s it say?” Aubry asks.

I bite my lip. Nora reaches for her wine, taking a slow sip.

I push my chair back and walk to the side table, hesitating only a moment before retrieving the stack of pages. When I return to the table, I set them down between us.

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