‘We’ll see. I only have to commit to one session. Which is good as it’s a hundred and twenty quid a pop. But hopefully it’ll be worth it. I’m feeling a bit scared, to be honest. I’ve never seen a shrink.’
‘I saw one once. When I was seventeen.’
‘Really? You never told me that.’
‘No?’
‘No. And this was because…?’
‘Oh, normal teenage angst, I think. My grades were getting worse when before they’d been quite good. So I had to go see the shrink.’
‘And did it help?’
Harry shrugs. ‘Not sure. I don’t remember much. My grades definitely got better afterwards but to be honest, I think I just worked harder so I could stop going. It clashed with footy, and I remember I wasn’t thrilled about that.’
Kathy
Kathy: Hello. Please, come in. Take a seat. Yes, there’s fine.
Wendy: Right. OK. Oh, and hello. Sorry, I’m not trying to be rude. I’m just nervous.
K: Please don’t be. I’m not as scary as I look.
W: Well, that’s something, at least. Oh, I didn’t mean… You don’t look scary. My mouth seems to be saying random words today.
K: It’s fine. Relax! So my name’s Kathy. If it suits you, we can use first names?
W: Yes, that’s fine.
K: And you’re Wendy. Have I got that right?
W: Yes. Wendy. That’s me.
K: Great.
W: Um, thanks for seeing me so quickly.
K: Ah, well, Giles is one of my oldest friends. We were at college together. Plus there was a bit of luck involved. I had a cancellation… So, what brings you here today?
W: Um… Do I just…? Sorry, but is this an introduction? Or is this, you know, the actual thing.
K: Let’s say it’s a bit of both.
W: I just thought… never mind.
K: You just thought…? Please, finish that sentence.
W: I thought you’d want me to lie down on the couch or something.
K: You can if you wish. Would you be more comfortable on the couch?
W: No, I don’t think I would.
K: Then let’s carry on like this for now, shall we?
W: OK.
K: So.