Page 56 of In Death, Love Survives
“Perfect,” he says with a tap on his briefcase.
He leans over and gives me a pat on my shoulder, paired with an endearing smile. For an older, gray-haired man, he could remind anyone of a television-level grandfather character.
The truth is, now it’s time for me to take matters even further into my hands. With Michael and Caleb both looking into the people who are hell-bent on keeping me here, I have no choice but to see what else I can do.
“Is everything okay today?”Nova asks.
I’ve been in our space together for a few minutes, thinking over what I learned earlier this morning from Michael.
Glancing up, I see Nova’s concern. I hadn’t realized I was overthinking the meeting from earlier.
“Yes, sorry. I’m glad I get to see you today.”
Nova beams at the acknowledgment. She hasn’t pressed record on our therapy session just yet.
“I can tell something is troubling you,” she says.
“I don’t want to worry you.”
Nova smiles as she relaxes back.
“That’s my job.”
“Fair,” I reply.
“You can share with me.”
“Angel, I would love to share this with you, but it would be a conflict of interest, and I’m just not going to put you in that position.”
Nova’s eyebrows furrow together as she concentrates on the meaning behind what I’ve shared. A few moments of silence pass.
“What number would you say you are today?”
“This morning, I was a ten. Now I’m not so sure. Maybe an eight. Still got to see your pretty face. Best part of any day.”
A light pink flushes her cheeks.
“An eight is still excellent,” she says.
“It is. Actually, I’ve been wondering, what’s up with the scale? Is it medical practice?”
“Being in this setting, especially in a group setting, makes it uncomfortable for people to want to open up. I started using my scale in group first, and then I would follow up with anyone who gave me a six or below. It helped when I was new here, and then it just stuck around.”
“Since most people are here ten to life.”
“That’s true.”
I hum at the admission.
“When I was a kid, my mom used to always tell me that big feelings are okay to have as long as they are channeled properly.”
“Your mom sounds like a smart woman.”
“She was. Best thing I had in my life.”
Nova goes solemn.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
