Journey Series: Ellick

The Most Frightening Thing

"Nicholas, as your therapist, I think it goes without saying that I'm worried about you." In his chair across the room, Nick scoffed. Ignoring his typical defensive behavior, Dr. Helen Parks continued by saying, "I mean more worried than normal. I get that you don't want to tell me anything. I know you think you have to keep things to yourself to keep those around you safe--" his breath caught in his throat. She noted the reaction and took it as a victory. She'd hit nerve. "But you just can't. You can't keep it all bottled in. You don't want to talk to me, fine. But I need you to do this one thing for me. Find something to do that will let you talk or even just think about the things you desperately want to keep locked away. Whether that means learning to trust someone enough to talk to them or even just writing it in a journal. I don't care what you do. I don't even need proof that you're doing it. All I really need from you, is your word." This she said confidently. She knew if Torres gave her his word, he'd do it. Grudgingly perhaps, but he'd do it. She heard his breathing become anxiously paced. She didn't say anything, but got up and opened a window. He relaxed. After 20 minutes, he said so quietly she could barely hear it, "Okay."