Dandelions

Kim's POV

I took the elevator to the 11th floor, and on reaching there the plans I had for the day came gushing in like the wind, so strong that it flooded my thoughts. meeting this new doctor felt strange and foreign since I had gotten used to Lindsey. Lindsey recommended this doctor which meant she'd be good, it was her idea that I come down to Florida to help myself heal and that's what I'm doing. grudgingly.

At the reception, I signed in and was given directions by one of the receptionists and that's how I found myself on the 11th floor. As I was walking through the hallway I kept peeking at the door signs to find the one that read "Dr. Ann, therapy center" After about 5 minutes I found the designated door.

The door clicked open immediately I twisted the door knob, I walked in, and closed the door behind me, the office was quite big and overwhelming.

"Welcome Miss Kimberly Ashley, sit, please.

"Thank you" I mumbled under my breath.

"I'm Doctor Ann, nice to have you here,
Lindsey told me everything I need to know hope you are okay with the whole arrangement.

"Yeah," I said smiling slightly

"talk to me, I'm a good listener that's what I'm good at, trust me," she said smiling broadly

I took my time, inhaled, and exhaled before forcing my mouth open, I almost didn't want to open up but I somehow found the need to.

I looked into her eyes and I saw her eagerness to hear what I had to say.

"I've been through a lot in a short time, losing my sister and being in a coma. Spending a year of my life unconscious in a hospital bed isn't what hurts the most. what hurt more was watching my sister die and not being able to save her. I should have done something, anything at all, maybe scream for help or......or just hold them back".

She gently placed her palm on my hands, which were resting on the table, and the moment she made contact, I flinched. It was a stark reminder of how deeply insecure I had become.

"I've studied your case for some time now
and I think all you need to do is make room for someone else in your life" The doctor's words triggered an immediate reflex, causing me to withdraw my hands.

"Are you implying that I should simply let go of Eva, as though it's a simple matter? You can't possibly comprehend the depth of my experiences". I replied, my voice tinged with emotion.

Frustration welled up within me, and in my anger, I made a move towards the door, struggling to contain my emotions.Guilt washed over me at the mere thought of letting someone into my life when she had died because of me. She had sacrificed herself trying to save me. Wasn't that selfish?

"Kim don't let your fear control you, you need to let go, she will never come back and that's the bitter truth"

Her words brought me to a sudden stop, as if pinning me to the ground and striking like a bullet. They jabbed through my soul, body, and mind. If realization were a knife, I would have dropped dead that very instant. Slowly, I turned around and returned to the chair where I had been seated.

"Kim you are refusing to heal, wait, what was it that you came here for?".

"If healing means moving on with my life as though nothing happened, then this meeting is useless "

The tears that I'd been holding back finally forced their way out of my eyes. the last stroke of courage I had left shattered into a million pieces.

The doctor kept invading my unending moment of grief with her words.

"You're not forgetting Eva; you're making her happy. Do you think she'd be pleased to see you like this? So, for her sake, you need to do this."

My body couldn't contain the urge to cry, to release the scorching pain and overwhelming sense of guilt that I felt, so I let it all out. In that same moment, I pondered the whole thing and realized the doctor was telling the truth. Eva would be furious with me for being this hard on myself if she were here. With that realization, I concluded that I needed to embark on this journey, which was why I came in the first place.

"Okay for Eva,"I finally announced. I knew my eyes would be all swollen and red by now, so I just decided to help myself and cut the drama.

"You need to socialize; you might develop an interest in someone out there, whether romantically or otherwise. And... I've got it all figured out."

"I've thought of a way for you to easily connect with people, and I came up with the idea of private housekeeping."

"How?" I inquired with a poker face, my eyes still swollen, and my voice croaky.

"Working as a housekeeper, but I want this to be on a more intimate level, within a small, close-knit circle, not too crowded," she explained.

I looked at her in bewilderment

"Ridiculous," I chuckled in disbelief. I didn't understand what she was talking about, not one bit.

"I know, right? Okay, here's the thing. My cousin brother just fired his housekeeper, and he needs a replacement urgently."

"Quite the amusing coincidence, don't you think?". she said, attempting to wink at me. It looked more like a clown's performance, and I had to stifle a laugh while maintaining a straight face.

I continued to stare at her, utterly confused. How on earth was that supposed to be a 'beautiful coincidence'?

"Are you trying to set me up?" I laughed.

"Come on, I haven't even agreed to any of this yet," I said, wide-eyed.

"Yes, you have."

My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets just by looking at her. This person in front of me was something else. I couldn't believe it. When did I ever agree? Was she trying to impose this on me or what?

"He's my brother, and he won't bite. Besides, you don't have to cross paths with him if you don't wish to. The place where you'll be working is a very large mansion."

"You have very slim chances of meeting him. There are a few cleaners, drivers, butlers, yard workers, housekeepers, maids, and a footman."

"Is he the president's son or something?"

"He's not, but he's the president of his own empire."

She sucked in air.

"Miss Kimberly, this session with you was worth it. Time's no longer on our side," she said, peeking at her expensive wristwatch. I thought.

"I have other appointments to attend to, so let's meet up tomorrow at the coffee shop down the road."

"Anchor Cafe. It's a nice place for a good chat. How about 8:00 pm?"

I gave her a nod while trying to absorb the information she gave me. I was somewhat confused. Why would he need so many workers? Well, it's none of my business. Why was I even bothered about someone else's extravagance? He could have a hundred if he so wishes.

I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind, and without much enthusiasm, I muttered a brief thank you before standing up to leave the office.