His Lovable Klutz (Completed)

Segment Sixty-one.

♥ Progress ♥

      Stefan's therapy sessions had been going well. Week by week, he noticed small improvements—his nightmares were less frequent, and he felt a bit more in control of his emotions. But then, Dr. Parker suggested a new exercise, one designed to push him further: gradual exposure.

      During one session, Dr. Parker introduced the idea. "Stefan," she began, her voice steady, "I think it's time we start working on gradual exposure. I know this might sound daunting, but I believe you're ready. We'll begin with image stimulation of fire, to help you confront your fear in a controlled environment."

      Stefan tensed at the mention of fire, his heart rate spiking instantly. He felt a wave of panic rise, but he nodded, trusting Dr. Parker. She had guided him through so much already.

      Dr. Parker dimmed the lights in the room slightly, creating a calm, focused atmosphere. She sat across from Stefan, who was lying on the couch, his hands gripping the edges as if bracing himself.

      "Close your eyes," Dr. Parker instructed softly. "I'm going to guide you through this, step by step. Remember, you're safe here. You're in control."

      Stefan obeyed, shutting his eyes tightly, trying to block out the initial surge of anxiety. He focused on Dr. Parker's voice, letting it anchor him.

      "Now," she continued, "I want you to picture a small flame. Just a single, small flame, nothing more. Imagine it in your mind’s eye. You're not near it—you're just observing it from a safe distance."

      Stefan's breathing quickened as the image formed in his mind. The small flame flickered, its light casting shadows in his thoughts. His chest tightened, memories threatening to break through.

      Dr. Parker noticed the change in his breathing and immediately responded, her tone soothing. "You're safe, Stefan. This is just an image. It cannot harm you. Breathe with me—inhale, and exhale."

      Stefan tried to follow her instructions, but the flame in his mind began to grow, consuming more space in his thoughts. The small, controlled fire started morphing into a raging inferno, the same one that had consumed his childhood home. He could hear the crackling of wood, feel the suffocating heat, see the terror in his parents' eyes.

      "Stefan," Dr. Parker's voice came through, though it felt distant, "you're doing great. You're still in control. Remember, this is not real. You're not there; you're here, with me. Focus on my voice."

      Her words echoed in his mind, but the panic was overwhelming. His body tensed, his heart pounded in his chest, and sweat beaded on his forehead. The image of the fire grew more intense, the fear more consuming.

      And then, something shifted. Dr. Parker's voice, still calm and reassuring, began to blend with another, more familiar voice. It was Coby's voice, soft and soothing, calling his name.

      "Stefan… it's okay. I'm here."

      In the midst of the flames, Stefan saw a blurry image forming—Coby's smiling face. Her presence seemed to cut through the terror, grounding him. The inferno began to recede, the crackling fire fading into the background. All that remained was Coby, her eyes full of warmth and love.

      The fear slowly ebbed away, replaced by a sense of calm. Stefan's breathing began to slow, his muscles relaxing as the image of Coby became clearer in his mind. She wasn't really there, but in that moment, her presence felt real, comforting, and safe.

      Dr. Parker, still guiding him, noticed the change. "You're doing wonderfully, Stefan. Just a little longer. You're in control. You're safe."

      Gradually, the image of Coby faded, and Stefan's awareness returned to the room around him. The heat of the imaginary flames disappeared, replaced by the cool, calming air of Dr. Parker's office. He opened his eyes, blinking against the dim light, and realized the session was over.