Dear Diary

Philophobia

Specialist Hospital, Therapy Unit.

A couple number of people sat in line, waiting for their turn to go into any of the therapist's office. Amongst them were two girls, one a few years younger than the other.

As the two girls conversed, one of the doors was pushed open, revealing the familiar face of the doctor's secretary.

"Miss Aliyah you can go in now." He said with a smile.

"Alright. Thank you." Aliyah said before making her way towards the door.

Just before she pushed the door open, she looked back to the place she previously sat and said to her companion.

"I will go in now, once I am out, we will go together" She said.

"Alright." Cathy replied.

With that, Aliyah made her way into the office. A pleasant and relaxing scent rushed into her nose as soon as she was in.

"Woah. Nice scent" she unconsciously complimented as she walked in.

"Thank you." Replied Dr. Mike who sat on the floor atop a mat. His eyes were closed and his sitting posture was that of yoga, legs crossed with his hands resting on his knees.

Two incense sticks burned slowly before him, it was clear he enjoyed it.

"Come and sit here." He pointed to a space opposite to where he sat, without opening his eyes.

"Hmmmmm" He took in a deep breath waiting for her to sit.

"Fold your legs."

"Okay, now place your hands on your knees and close your eyes." He said once he had assumed she sat.

"Breathe in!"

"Breathe out!"

Under his command, Aliyah breathed in and out a few times. The scent she snuffed in felt refreshing to her mind, it was almost the same effect as taking in a cup of tea.

"Aliyah, you are back." He said.

"Yes I am."

"So, how are you?"

"Fine, I guess."

"I mean how are you?" He threw the question at her again.

"I am still feeling conflicted and confused."

"It's still about Hafiz right?"

"Yes." She nodded.

"I am listening." He said.

"I tried my best to make him give up on loving me, but the more I push him, the harder he falls for me."

"What if you don't push him away?"

"Then I am afraid..."

"You will fall for him right?" Dr. Mike cut in before she could finish her sentence.

"Ahm..." Aliyah hesitated before denying his claim with a no.

"I've got my answer in that moment of hesitation." Dr. Mike said.

"Listen, I am going to ask you a few questions. You don't have to tell me the answer, but I want you to be honest in telling yourself the answers, understood?"

"Yes." Aliyah nodded.

"Alright. Close your eyes. You might have conflicted answers, but the first to come to your mind is the most honest answer." He said.

"Do you love the scent of these incense sticks?"

"Yes." Aliyah said putting up a smile.

"Are you comfortable sitting on the floor?"