Irreparable - Hannibal Lecter

003 Missteps

Emily's heart sank as she sat alone in the waiting room. The weight of Thomas's disapproval loomed in her mind, his hurtful words echoing as a painful reminder. Emily looked around, taking a deep breath, trying to steady her trembling thoughts and anchor herself in the purpose that had driven her to be there. Just as she settled into her thoughts, turning her wedding band on her finger, the door to the counselor's office swung open, shattering the silence. A figure emerged, tall and impeccably dressed—Hannibal Lecter. The doctor sported a warm smile and extended a welcoming gesture. His reputation preceded him, along with a significant price tag that Thomas had made a point of highlighting.

Emily's apprehension intensified as she realized the weight of the session she was about to enter, recalling his rather alternative methods. Nevertheless, she rose from her seat, hoping that in the hands of this esteemed therapist, their marriage had a chance to heal. Upon entering the office, Emily was greeted by an ambiance that resembled a cozy home-study rather than a clinical space. Adorned with book-lined walls, sumptuous leather chairs, and an ornate desk, the room exuded warmth and comfort. Lecter stepped forward, into the room, his hand extended and that same kind smile gracing his lips. "Can I take your coat, Mrs. Stanton?" he asked politely.

Emily nodded, her hands briefly brushing against his as she handed over the expensive coat Thomas had bought her the previous Christmas. Dr. Lecter's smile remained warm as he turned away, hanging the garment on a nearby rack next to his own. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, he exuded an air of grace and precision. Every movement seemed deliberate, revealing his control and meticulous attention to detail. Emily couldn't help but notice the resemblance between his suit and those worn by Thomas's affluent associates—bespoke and exclusive.

"Please, take a seat, and we can begin," Dr. Lecter gestured, his voice conveying calm authority. The smooth leather of the chair squeaked softly as Emily sat down, tugging at her skirt to make it fit more snugly. She had dressed modestly, as Thomas had advised, in a skirt and a knit sweater. Dr. Lecter had noticed that her clothes seemed rather ill-fitting, and how Emily played with the wedding ring on her finger, feeling the weight of her appearance as Dr. Lecter's eyes took note.

"So, Mrs. Stanton, what brings you into my office?" Dr. Lecter leaned back in his seat, crossing one long leg over the other, radiating an air of calm authority. "And why is it so crucial for you to fix a marriage that evidently brings you unhappiness?"

His sudden words struck Emily like lightning, her head snapping up abruptly, causing a slight twinge of pain. She nervously smoothed her skirt again, her fingers betraying her unease.

"How did you...?" she began, her voice faltering.

"You've been touching your ring excessively," Dr. Lecter observed calmly. "Not in a way that conveys joy and gives one peace of mind, but rather as if the jewelry were burning the skin on that finger." Emily's eyes widened, surprised by his keen observation. She felt exposed. "I'm not unhappy; I love my husband," she insisted, but Dr. Lecter's eyes revealed his skepticism, stripping her bare of pretense.

"Now, now, Mrs. Stanton, you are new, but I do not tolerate dishonesty in this office," he gently admonished. Emily felt like a scolded child under the piercing gaze of a discerning parent, her vulnerability laid bare before him.

"I do love my husband," Emily began again, her voice slow and hesitant. "But yes, I am unhappy." She paused, gathering her thoughts, her eyes meeting Dr. Lecter's unwavering gaze, eyes the color of polished steel.

"The feeling of unhappiness is usually more profound when it stems from the dissatisfaction we feel towards the people we hold dear. The weight of unhappiness within a romantic relationship can be particularly burdensome. It takes courage to acknowledge and address those feelings. Tell me, Mrs. Stanton, what is it about your marriage that has led you to this point?"