Page 9 of If She Remembered
Dr.Cassandra Chen worked in an office building on Grove Avenue.It was a converted Victorian house that had been tastefully renovated to accommodate several small professional practices.Kate and DeMarco climbed the front steps and entered through a door marked with a discrete brass plaque listing the various therapists and counselors who worked inside.
The waiting area was small but comfortable, with soft lighting and neutral colors that suggested professional calm.A young woman sat behind a reception desk, speaking quietly into a headset while typing notes into her computer.
"We're here to see Dr.Chen," Kate said, approaching the desk right away and showing her badge."FBI.We called ahead about Carol Bennett.”
The receptionist nodded and glanced at the clock on her computer screen."Dr.Chen is just finishing up with a client.She should be available in about five minutes.You can have a seat if you'd like."
Kate and DeMarco settled into chairs near a small table covered with magazines focused on mental health and wellness.The atmosphere was deliberately soothing, with soft instrumental music playing at barely audible levels and several potted plants positioned around the room.
"What's your take on therapists who specialize in empty nesters?"DeMarco asked quietly.
"It’s definitely a niche specialty," Kate replied."But then again, transitioning from active parenting to an empty house is a major life change.Some people struggle with it more than others."
“Did you, with Michelle?”
“For about half a year or so, yeah.But it just started to become the new normal for me.It wasn’t that I stopped missing her; it just became my mew way of life.If that makes sense.”
A door opened down the hallway, and they heard quiet voices as someone concluded a session.A middle-aged man emerged, nodded politely to the receptionist, and left through the front door.Moments later, a woman appeared in the hallway and started walking in their direction.
Dr.Cassandra Chen was probably in her early forties, with shoulder-length black hair styled in gentle waves and wire-rimmed glasses that gave her a scholarly appearance.She wore a black blazer over a white blouse, coming off as professional but approachable.Her posture was straight, and she moved with the confident bearing of someone comfortable in her professional environment.
"Agents Wise and DeMarco?"she asked, approaching them with an extended hand."I'm Dr.Chen.I understand you wanted to speak with me about Carol Bennett."
"That's correct," Kate said, shaking her hand."We appreciate you making time for us."
"Of course.I was saddened to learn about Carol's passing."Dr.Chen's expression was appropriately somber, though Kate noticed a certain clinical detachment in her tone."I should mention that I have another client scheduled in half an hour, so I'll need to wrap up by then."
"We understand.Thank you for fitting us in."
“Follow me, please.”
Dr.Chen led them down a short hallway lined with framed certificates and diplomas.Her office was located at the end, a corner room with two large windows that filled the space with natural light.The room was decorated in warm earth tones, with a comfortable-looking couch positioned across from two matching chairs.A small fountain sat on a side table, providing gentle background sound, and several pieces of abstract art hung on the walls. It looked more like a small lounge than a psychiatrist’s office.
"Please, have a seat," Dr.Chen said, gesturing toward the chairs while she settled onto the couch."How can I help you understand what happened to Carol?"
"We're investigating the circumstances of her death," Kate began."We understand she was a regular patient of yours."
"Yes, Carol had been seeing me for about twenty months.She began seeing me about two months after her husband died.She was referred to me by her primary care physician for help managing anxiety related to her grief and the adjustment to living alone."
"Can you tell us about her general state of mind recently?"
Dr.Chen paused, clearly considering her words carefully."I need to be mindful of patient confidentiality, even after death.I’m sure you understand.”
“Of course.But anything youcanshare with us could be very helpful.”
“Well, I can tell you that Carol's emotional state had been...complicatedrecently."
"Complicated how?"DeMarco asked.
"As you probably know, her adult son Jake moved back home recently after losing his job.This created some conflicting feelings for Carol that we'd been working through in our sessions."
"What kind of conflicting feelings?"
Dr.Chen adjusted her glasses and chose her words carefully."Carol was genuinely happy to have Jake home again.She'd been struggling with loneliness since her husband's death, and having her son back in the house provided comfort and purpose.However, I had some concerns about the arrangement."
"What concerns are those?"Kate asked.
"In my professional opinion, Carol was making a mistake by allowing Jake to return home so willingly.A few days would have been fine, perhaps even beneficial for both of them.But long-term cohabitation between adult children and their parents often creates unhealthy dynamics.And it often occurs without either party knowing it’s happening."
