March 13, 2022
Maya sat alone in a mostly quiet room on a grey leather couch. Her foot tapping impatiently under her and the ticks of the clock were the only sound in the room. She caught herself glancing at the door, then the clock, and then her phone. This repetitive act continued for the next few minutes. To her the minutes she waited felt extremely long, probably wasn't helped by the fact she didn't want to be there.
Finally the door clicked open. A tall woman wearing a nice outfit with a bun filled with black and grey hair finally walked into the room. Greeting Maya with a welcoming smile like she had met her before. "Hello Maya. I apologize for the wait. My name is Dr. Morales" The lady said putting her hand out to shake.
"Hello" Maya greeted her shortly attempting to share a smile with the Doctor but it ended up looking like a frown. As if she forgot how to smile correctly. They shook hands shortly before Dr. Morales sat down across from her on a separate chair.
"I'm assuming you know why you are here." Her tone had changed into a more serious yet sympathetic. Her hands now holding a notepad and pen that was previously on the coffee table in between the two women.
"I am here because sugar-" Maya paused shortly before restarting her sentence with a deep breath. If her expression didn't tell the doctor she didn't want to be there her words definitely would. "I am here because my aunt- Natalie thinks I need therapy."
There was a silence between the two as if the woman expected more from her so she continued."But I'm fine. I don't need to be here." Maya said looking around the room. Either avoiding eye contact or the urge to tap her foot more. It was a very plain room and it kind of smelled like an old woman's perfume.
"Hm" The woman simply responded before writing something down on the small booklet that was held in her left hand. Maya glanced at her trying to figure out what she was thinking without asking anything to her. Yet the doctor's face that held smile lines and wrinkles told her nothing at all.
"You don't think so?" She said putting the pen down and looking up at Maya. Sitting up slightly beginning to speak "It's been 3 weeks since your father has passed. How are you?"
"Im fine." Maya said as her foot started to tap again.
"And you understand the circumstances of his death?" The lady looked at her with a serious look. The look said much more than words. Expecting her to break at any moment.
"Yes Ma'am." Maya did not have the patience or desire to speak about this. Before the therapist could speak again Maya did. "Look, I know you are just trying to do your job but I'm honestly fine and I know Natalie can't afford this so can I go?" She spoke bluntly. Normally maya would never be this disrespectful towards someone who may be considered an authority figure but now nothing was normal to her.
"I've worked with several people who have lost a parent and it always starts with them telling me that they are fine." The silence was almost painful. Maya hated every second of it even if it was brief. "Of course you aren't fine Maya. Your father is gone. It's a tragic and huge change from your everyday life."
For reasons which she could not explain Maya began to feel angry at the woman. Trying not to show it but also attempting to leave this session as quickly as possible she began to stand up from the couch. Wiping her hands on her jeans as she fully stood.
