The Midnight Train

13:

Lydia took a bite of the fluffy French toast, savoring the sweet warmth and buttery flavor. She glanced at Nolan, who was happily digging into his own plate. The soft sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the cozy cabin and wrapping them in a comforting glow. A comfortable silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the occasional clink of silverware against the plates.

After a moment, Nolan paused, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “By the way, I found one of the best therapists online in LA.”

Lydia’s fork froze mid-air, her brow furrowing. “Oh? Is that what kept you glued to your laptop all evening yesterday?”

Nolan shrugged, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Not exactly, but kind of. I was looking for options, you know? Therapists aren’t exactly easy to find.”

She set her fork down, leaning in with genuine curiosity. “What’s the next step?”

“Well, typically you’d fix a convenient schedule, and there’s a deposit for payment,” he explained, taking another sip of his hot chocolate.

Lydia’s expression shifted, her excitement dimming. “I don’t have any money, Nolan.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” he said quickly, his tone soothing. “I’ll cover you for now.”

Lydia shook her head, a determined look in her eyes. “I appreciate that, but I can’t accept it. I don’t want to feel like I owe you.”

Nolan leaned back, crossing his arms, but his eyes remained gentle. “You could pay me back sometime in the future. If it helps you go for therapy, it’s worth it.”

She considered this, a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty flooding her. “Okay, fine. If it’ll help me get started.”

Nolan grinned, clearly pleased with her decision. “Great! Let’s look her up.”

After clearing the table, they moved to the couch, where Nolan opened his laptop. “Let’s see what Dr. Harper is all about.” He typed the name into the search bar, and the page loaded, revealing a polished profile photo of Dr. Harper.

“Wow, she looks nice,” Lydia murmured, intrigued. Dr. Harper appeared to be in her mid-forties, with warm blue eyes that sparkled with empathy. Her wavy hair, a rich  auburn color, fell just past her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. The inviting smile she wore exuded a warmth that instantly made Lydia feel at ease.

Nolan scrolled down, revealing more details. “Dr. Harper is a native of LA, married to a Black American. They have two teenage kids,” he said, glancing at Lydia. “It sounds like she has a pretty normal life outside of work.”

“Yeah,” Lydia replied, a hint of admiration creeping into her voice. “She looks relatable.”

Nolan continued scrolling, his fingers gliding across the trackpad. “She’s published several books that transformed lives. Look at these testimonials.”

Lydia leaned in closer, her eyes scanning the screen. The testimonials were filled with praise, detailing how Dr. Harper had helped countless people through their struggles. “People really seem to love her. These stories are incredible,” she said, feeling a swell of hope.

“Right? And she’s known for her easy-going sessions, which can make a huge difference. You want someone you can talk to without feeling judged,” Nolan explained, scrolling further down to the awards section. “She’s won several awards across the nation. It’s pretty impressive.”

Lydia felt a flicker of hope. “This is... encouraging. I think I’d like to meet her. It sounds like she really knows what she’s doing.”

“Great!” Nolan said, his excitement palpable. “Let’s get this started.”

He clicked on the application form, filling in her details with ease. “Okay, your name, contact info, a brief about why you’re seeking therapy…” He looked up at her, seeking her input. “Anything specific you want me to include?”

“Just mention the amnesia and how I feel overwhelmed,” she replied, feeling a swell of vulnerability but also relief.

“Got it,” Nolan said, typing quickly. “And… done. Now we just wait for a response.”

He hit the submit button, and they both exhaled, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety filling the room. “According to the site, applications could take up to 48 hours to be processed,” Nolan explained, his expression hopeful.

“Alright,” Lydia said, trying to steady her nerves. “Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Nolan nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. “Whatever happens, I’m here for you. You’ve got this.”

They sat together in silence for a moment, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. It was as if the cabin itself held its breath, allowing the potential for healing to settle in. Lydia felt the warmth of Nolan’s presence beside her—a steady anchor in her stormy sea of uncertainty.

“Do you think it’s too much to hope for?” Lydia asked softly, breaking the silence.

“Not at all,” Nolan replied, his voice steady. “You deserve this. Everyone deserves a chance to heal and grow. And you’re not doing it alone.”

Lydia smiled faintly, comforted by his unwavering support. “Thank you for believing in me. It’s just… everything feels so overwhelming right now.”

“Take it one step at a time. Therapy isn’t a magic solution, but it’s a step in the right direction,” he reassured her, placing a hand on her knee, grounding her.

“Okay,” Lydia breathed, her voice stronger now. “I’m ready to take that step.”

Nolan squeezed her knee lightly, a gesture of solidarity. “And no matter what happens, I’ll be right here.”

As they sat together, the weight of the decision hung in the air, but so did a sense of possibility—a new chapter beginning, one they would face side by side.