The Pacifist

Empath

Joseph

The recognition on her face when their eyes met worried Joseph. Her reluctant obedience made his chest swell the slightest bit and he knew she was receptive enough to notice it. He cleared his throat. "Don't deny your anger," he said, desperately trying to stay on topic, and not ask her if she'd allow him to see if her neck felt as good in his grasp as it promised.

"I'm not..."

He stopped her with a cocked eyebrow.

Rachel thinned her lips.

"Be honest."

"I think you're being a little callous about it. I mean, considering, you know... what I'm here for," she said, squirming in her seat. Joseph knew that she was aware that she was admitting that she had expected to be treated delicately. He assumed most people in her life treated her that way.

"Do you want sympathy, or help?" He took pleasure in her reaction as she took offense yet again. No, she didn't need coddling, she needed the truth.

Rachel looked down at her twisting fingers like a chastised child. "Help," she mumbled.

Joseph nodded. "Good." He reached for a folder on the coffee table. "There's a guided goal setting activity in there. Complete it for the next session."

"Are we done?"

"For today, yes."

"And how do I pay you?"

"Don't worry about that for now. I'll text you with my next available appointment." He stood up, punctuating his last statement and signaling that it was time for her to go.

"Th-thank you," she said uncertainly.