To Infinity and Beyond

The Matchmaker

Alice's POV

"Oh, my sweet love, come here!" Mrs Catherine Black, one of my routine patients, engulfed me in her short arms and squeezed me in a tight hug.
We just ended our session for the day, and unlike the first time I saw her, she was starting to look optimistic by the day. Her usual dull features were bright and cheerful today and looking at the speedy rate of her recovery; my heart fluttered with waves of warmth and gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Alice. After William left me, I thought I could never smile at life again. A part of me got buried with him. I felt so lonely." Her wrinkled eyes were wet with unshed tears, as she heaved a deep sigh, trembles from her chest travelled through mine, making my heart tug in pain. Losing someone dear was the most insufferable feeling to cope with. And she was a braveheart, combating her problems with so much spirit.

Breaking the hug, I took both her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze, "oh, Mrs Black. You are doing so well. Trust me, you will be just fine. You are stronger than most women I know."

"Call me, Catherine, love. And I didn't do a thing. It was all you. Yesterday, I slept all night. Can you believe it? Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep? Who could have thought that was even possible a month ago? I can't thank you enough, Alice. Your meditation tips and breathing exercises work wonders for me."

"I am so glad, Catherine. Just keep it up." I gave her a heartfelt smile, and she gave me another warm hug. After some more exchanges, I helped her fragile frame walk out of my cabin.

"The next session is scheduled for Wednesday. Like always, my office will send Chris and you a reminder a day before." Chris was Catherine's only son. I met him once when he got his mother for her first therapy session. He was very concerned about her mental and emotional wellbeing, and after discussing everything in detail, he handed her in my care. Catherine was barely sleeping or eating ever since her husband's untimely death, which was four months ago. She needed immediate care, and I was taking sessions with her for three months now.

"Sure, I will remember. Have a good day, Alice."

"You too, Catherine."

I was about to head back to my cabin when I heard her call my name again. "Alice?" I turned to find her taking small steps towards me again.

"Actually, as a token appreciation, I want to do something for you. In fact, Chris has been meaning to meet you in person and thank you too. Why don't you have brunch with us this Sunday? I insist, please."

"Catherine, you don't have to thank me. It's my job to help you get better..."

"No, darling. When I talk to you, you don't hear me just as a professional. You sound and feel like family. Please, for my sake, accept my invitation and visit us this Sunday for brunch."

"Catherine... I am so touched, but I am not sure..."

"I am not listening, sweety—Sunday noon, sharp at twelve. You have our address in your records. We will see you there." She gave me soft pecks on both my cheeks before turning and leaving me speechless, not allowing me the opportunity to decline her offer. I stood there silently till I saw her disappear towards the end of the long corridor.

"Looks like you have got yourself a date this Sunday." Elsie's signature chuckle got me out of my trance. I didn't realise when she stepped this closer to me. I am sure she heard our exchange from her sneaky desk, placed right outside my cabin.

"Yes, it seems I don't have much of a choice. A date with Catherine it is!" I turned around, and instantly Elsie gave me a playful nudge, "a date with Catherine and her handsome son Chris, now you can't really forget that one little detail, can you?" She wiggled her eyebrows.