CHAPTER 18

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With this new information, Dr. Sky calls for Cynthia and Zev to return to his office. When Zev and Cynthia returned, Cynthia was confused on why they came back and Zev wanted to return to his room. when they enter, and sit down on the chair, dr.sky shows them samantha file. Dr. Sky "Is this Samantha?"

Cynthia: "Yes! That's her!"

zev "Where did you find this?"

Dr. Sky "My drawer with the rest of the file on the children who left the institution."

Cynthia: "What do you mean?"

Dr. Sky "There is no easy way to say this but Samantha left with her parents."

Zev expresses doubt, "That's impossible. We saw her."

Dr. Sky's revelation leaves Cynthia and Zev visibly shocked and bewildered. They exchange glances, their confusion palpable. Cynthia's brows furrow in disbelief, while Zev's eyes narrow as he tries to process the information. Dr. Sky's office suddenly feels like a space filled with uncertainty and a hint of fear.

Cynthia speaks up first, her voice trembling slightly, "Dr. Sky, are you sure? We've been talking to Samantha all this time. She's been with us."

Dr. Sky nods sympathetically, understanding the weight of the news he's delivering, "I know it's hard to believe, but the file clearly states that Samantha Oakwell left with her parents three years ago. It's possible that what you've been experiencing might have been a coping mechanism or a way to deal with certain emotions."

Cynthia: "But... we've been talking to her. Just yesterday, she was in my room playing with Star."

Zev: "Yeah, and I saw her in the kitchen. She wanted a cupcake."

Dr. Sky: "I understand that this is confusing, but Samantha left three years ago with her parents. The file here confirms it. It's as if she never returned, at least not physically."

Zev's fists clench involuntarily as his emotions surge, "No, that can't be true. Samantha has been with me when no one else was. She's been there, listening to me."

Dr. Sky maintains his calm demeanor, "Zev, it's not uncommon for people to create imaginary companions during times of loneliness or stress. It's a way for the mind to find comfort and companionship."

Zev: "I don't get it. Are we imagining things? Is she a ghost or something?"

Dr. Sky: "It's not uncommon for people to have vivid memories or even imaginary friends, especially during periods of stress or change. Samantha might represent something important to both of you, something that you're holding onto or trying to cope with."

Cynthia and Zev exchange another glance, their confusion deepening. Samantha had been a source of comfort for them, a friend during challenging times. To learn that she may have been a creation of their minds leaves them feeling lost and vulnerable.

Cynthia looks at Zev, her eyes filled with concern, "Zev, we need to come to terms with this. Samantha might have been a creation of our minds, someone we needed to help us through difficult times."

Zev's shoulders slump, his gaze fixed on the floor, "But it felt so real, Cynthia. She felt real."

Dr. Sky leans forward, his tone gentle, "Our minds have a remarkable way of making the intangible feel real, especially when we need it most. Samantha might have represented a source of comfort and understanding for both of you."

Cynthia and Zev exchange glances, their confusion deepening. Samantha had been a source of comfort for them, a friend during challenging times. To learn that she may have been a creation of their minds leaves them feeling lost and vulnerable.

Dr. Sky: "I want to help you both understand this better. It's important to recognize that Samantha, in whatever form she takes, has provided you with a sense of companionship and support. But it's also essential to ground yourselves in reality. Let's work through this together."

Cynthia wipes a tear from her eye, "So, what do we do now? How do we move forward?"

Dr. Sky offers a reassuring smile, "We continue our therapy sessions, exploring these feelings and thoughts together. It's important to acknowledge what we've experienced and work towards understanding ourselves better."

Zev looks up, his expression a mix of uncertainty and determination, "I guess it's time to face our own realities, then."

Dr. Sky nods, "Exactly. Remember, healing and growth come from embracing our truths, no matter how difficult they may be."

As Cynthia and Zev make their way down the stairs, their minds are a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. They find Nurse Zane and Nurse Nicole waiting for them; downstairs while stilling on the steps; and the nurses notice the somber expressions on their faces.

Nurse Zane looks up and greets them, "Hey, how did your therapy session go?"

Cynthia hesitates for a moment before responding, "It was... enlightening."

Zev's voice quivers with a mix of frustration and disbelief, "Apparently, Samantha wasn't real. She was just... a coping mechanism, a coping mechanism."

Nurse Nicole tilts her head, a sympathetic look in her eyes, "I know it's hard to accept, but sometimes our minds create these protective mechanisms to help us through difficult times."

Zev clenches his fists, "But she felt so real. I talked to her, shared things with her."

Nurse Zane offers a gentle smile, "Zev, our minds have incredible ways of making things feel real, especially when we need them the most. It's a testament to your strength that you were able to find comfort in her presence."

Cynthia lets out a sigh, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I guess we have to come to terms with the fact that Samantha was a creation of our minds."

Nurse Nicole nods, "Facing the truth can be tough, but it's a step towards healing and understanding yourself better."

Zev looks downcast, "I just don't know how to process all of this. It's like a part of my world has been turned upside down."

Nurse Zane puts a reassuring hand on Zev's shoulder, "It's okay to feel confused and even angry. But remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're here to support you every step of the way."

Cynthia wipes away a tear, "Thank you, both of you. It's just... a lot to take in."

Nurse Nicole smiles kindly, "Give yourself time. Healing is a process, and you're already taking steps towards it by seeking help."

As they continue to talk with the nurses, a mixture of emotions lingers in the air – confusion, disbelief, but also a glimmer of acceptance. The journey to understand themselves and their experiences has just begun, and while the path may be challenging, Cynthia and Zev are not walking it alone. With the support of their friends, therapists, and caregivers, they have the opportunity to grow and find new ways to cope with their emotions.

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