Tacoma Falls: Homeland

Counseling

Morgan

Once the dust settled, I made an appointment with a counselor. Hank drove me to the appointment and waited out front for me. I sat in a chair as a counselor sat across from me.

"How do we do this? I've never been to a counselor before," I said.

"Talk about whatever you want," the counselor assured me.

I took a deep breath and started talking. Then, I broke down and cried. The counselor handed me a box of Kleenex. I used them as I sobbed. Talking about that fateful day broke me all over again.

"Morgan, you had two traumatic events happen to you. Anyone that experienced what you did would be broken."

"I feel like all I'll be is broken." I sniffled as I wiped my nose.

"Right now, you will. But it won't last. Eventually, you'll create a distance between you and the events. Not only are you dealing with grief trauma, but betrayal trauma. Someone you loved betrayed your trust. It changes you as a person. The person you were no longer exists. Now, you have to navigate this new life."

"How do I do that?"

"One step at a time. Journaling also helps. When you can see the emotions in black and white, you can decipher them better. I want you to buy a notebook and write in it. Anytime you want to talk about what happened, write it down. Then, I want you to write a letter to your future self and date it for a year from now."

I nodded in response.

"We'll meet next week and talk more. When you're ready, you can ease back on the sessions."

"Okay." I smiled briefly at the counselor before getting up and leaving her office.

*****
Hank

I sat in the waiting room for Morgan until she finished her counseling session. I flipped through a magazine, trying to curb the boredom. Women entered the office and looked at me while I sat there. They're not used to a man sitting in the waiting room.

An hour later, Morgan appeared and walked toward me after making another appointment. I stood up and walked her out.

"I need to stop by the store. The counselor wants me to buy a notebook and write in it," Morgan said.

"Whatever you need, Darlin."

We walked to Howell's Pharmacy so Morgan could buy a spiral notebook and pens. She dug out her wallet. I beat her to the punch and paid for her stuff. 

"You don't need to pay for my things."

"Darlin, I can buy you whatever you need. Just ask."

"Hank, I don't want you to spend your money on me."

"But Darlin, I want to spend my money on you. Plus, I want to learn what you like and dislike. People can change."

Morgan's forehead wrinkled. Rodney was a stingy bastard with Morgan. Why have a woman if you don't spoil her?

Morgan grabbed the bag and left the pharmacy. Before returning to the truth, I averted her direction.

"Hank! What are you doing?"

I held Morgan's hand and dragged her behind me. "Darlin, we're getting to know each other. If I'll court you, I want to know everything about you."

Morgan relented and walked with me. I had to slow my steps so she could keep up with me.

"I've never been courted before."

"No?" I glanced at Morgan as we strolled around town, holding hands.