Dead by Midnight

ELEVEN

"Miss Monica, it's a pleasure to have you over again."

The woman sitting on the chair before him smiled nervously. She fiddled with the ends of her braided hair, not really sharing eye contact. It's like the progress they made before seemed to vanish, but Kit isn't so worried about that.

He's sitting on the chair across from her, fixing up his glasses as he sipped on some hot chocolate he made not too long ago. She came just in time as well just as his drink cooled down.

There's nothing going on for him today, the weather outside was nice, and he's able to relax in the comforts of his late grandmother's home with his first patient.

It's perfect, really.

Monica was also given a cup of hot chocolate, but she's yet to touch it.

Kit asks, "How are you? Anything good happen the last time we saw each other?"

"I-I have been... getting less sleep. Still the same as usual. It's so hard for me... t-to be able to fall asleep at night, but I picked up a small hobby to do throughout the mornings. Helps me keep steady, and I look forward to do it these days."

"That's good to hear. What kind of hobby?"

Monica flushed red, embarrassed. "It's... um... not as exciting as you think. I picked up on puzzles. T-Those really large ones, you know? The puzzles that have one thousand pieces. I was never patient when I was a kid, and I often gave up on them, but I have a lot of free time. I figured to give them a try..."

"I think it's great you found something that interested you. You even said you look forward to it in the mornings, so it's not something you should feel embarrassed about. Compared to me, you're far better. I couldn't do large puzzles either when I was younger, and I doubt I have enough patience to complete one now. Especially a large puzzle that has a thousand pieces. I'm honestly impressed, Monica."

Instantly, she perks up. "Really?"

"Of course. I'm really glad to hear you've found yourself a nice hobby. Was that the only thing that's changed?"

"I-I have also-" She somehow stutters over her sentences. She's speaking them even before thinking on how to say them. "Well, I've... decided to bake a little more. I've always enjoyed doing that, and I don't feel as fatigued since it's something I love to do."

"Planning on bringing some of it over? I'm sure I said it before on how I don't bake, so yours are probably better than my attempts."

He says it with a small laugh and it visibly eases Monica up.

"You wouldn't mind me bringing some over? I was just planning on baking some muffins with a new recipe, but I'm not so sure if it'll taste good."

"I never turn down free food," Kit chuckles. "Bring them over next time. I'd appreciate it."

Kit has to admit, it's a lot easier getting Monica into the conversation. It's not as one-sided like last time, and she's not so tense anymore. It was a good sign. Though she does have some trouble keeping focus on him. She kept on staring through the windows earlier and landed her gaze on the deer that grazed on the ground, distracting herself from Kit. It took a while for him to properly get her attention afterwards.

Perhaps it's a good thing Kit let Skipper out for the day. Skipper might have interrupted their session.

"Miss Monica."

"Yes, sir?"

"Please, call me Kit," he replies softly. "If you don't mind, could you tell me a little more about your sleeping problems? Maybe I can help. Or if anything, you can just use me to freely rant and I'll sit and listen."