Behind the Mask

Unmasked (Part 2)

"Chaenggg... Chaeyoung..." Mina was calling Chaeyoung but she didn't respond so she went to their room to check her out. She was playing games with her phone.

"Chaeyoung-ah. I have my appointment with Dr. Han today. Don't you have an appointment with her too?"

Chaeyoung immediately stood up.

"Oh right! 10 minutes... I'll just prepare and we'll go to her clinic, ok?"

Mina just nodded and waited for Chaeyoung.

They arrived at a small cosy clinic. They were welcomed by a nurse and told them to wait for a while.

"How does it feel?" Chaeyoung asked Mina.

"Hm?"

"It's my first time to see a psychotherapist. I thought only those who are crazy went to see a psychotherapist."

"I know. There is an existing stigma in seeing a psychotherapist. But actually no, anyone can go see a psychotherapist if they feel like they need it. They are a big help especially to those who are mentally and emotionally distressed. There's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Mina!" Exclaimed a woman in her late 40s, wearing a long white gown.

"I was surprised when I was informed that you'd be here today. Shall we begin?"

Dr. Han pointed Mina towards the door and they entered there. It was a white room with lots of paintings of nature on the wall. There were also some houseplants.

"How are you doing Minassi?"

"Fine."

"I heard you saw your dad, do you want to talk about him?"

But Mina just sit still.

"You visited your mom." Dr. Han paused to see Mina's reaction but she seemed to be uninterested in the topic.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Mina's expression slightly changed, from having a poker face to a slightly doubtful one.

"It's ok Minassi, you can take your time, organize your thoughts and emotions."

There was total silence in the room.

"I found her." Mina finally uttered. Dr. Han analyzed Mina.

"Is she the girl you were talking to a while ago?" Mina nodded.

"And how do you feel about that?" Dr. Han added. Mina looked straight into the doctor's eyes.

"I feel like I'm normal when I'm with her."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"I don't know." Mina said hesitantly.

"She is the reason why I am here." Mina added.

"I told her before that I'll be better.  And when that happens, I'll take care of her just like how she
takes care of me."

"I want to make her feel that I feel those emotions she let me feel. I want her to know when I'm jealous or when I'm happy."

"I want to feel her."

"Do you think I can do that, Dr. Han?"

"It would be hard to tell but with your progress, I think it's possible."

"How was it?" Chaeyoung asked Mina as she went out of the room.

"Well..."

"Son Chaeyoung." Dr. Han called.

"Oh, it's my turn. You can head home first if you get bored."

"It's ok, I'll wait here."

"How was it?" Mina asked as soon as Chaeyoung went out of the room.

"It's fine. I was really nervous but Dr. Han is really cool."

"Cool?"

"Eiii... Of course, you're cooler than her." Mina smiled shyly at her.

"Did she diagnosed you with something?"

"Well... She said it's too early to jump to conclusions but it could be a bipolar or borderline personality disorder. What about you? Why are you seeing her? When were you diagnosed?"

"I was diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder when I was 9."

"Schizoid? Isn't that the disorder where you have hallucinations?"

"Nope, that's schizophrenia. Mine is a personality disorder. Schizoid Personality Disorder. It means I am detached from the people. I'm not interested with having or engaging in social relationships. Sex or any sexual activities or anything related are not my thing. What is it? Uhmmm right! I am cold and aloof, I think those are the accurate words."

*Note:
These information mentioned were based on my personal research and understanding. They may vary and I'm not sure if they expressed the symptoms well.