Underworld Ties

Facing the Past

The following week, Bobby found himself sitting in a therapist's office, the air heavy with unspoken tension. The walls were a calming shade of blue, adorned with abstract art that felt both inviting and intimidating. He had resisted the idea of therapy for a long time, but the weight of his emotions—the anger, the resentment, the confusion—had become too much to bear alone.

He glanced at the clock, anxiety bubbling within him. Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," said the therapist, a woman in her forties with warm eyes and a gentle smile.

"Hi, Bobby," she said, gesturing for him to take a seat on the plush couch across from her. "I'm Dr. Ellis. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Bobby replied, settling into the couch, his posture tense. He crossed his arms, a defensive shield against the vulnerability he felt.

### Opening Up

Dr. Ellis watched him for a moment, her expression encouraging. "I understand you've been going through quite a bit lately. Would you like to share what's been on your mind?"

Bobby took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his past pressing down on him. "Yeah, I guess I've been dealing with a lot of stuff. My wife, Nicole, is fighting cancer right now. It's been tough. And then my biological mother showed up out of nowhere after all these years."

"Wow, that sounds really overwhelming," Dr. Ellis said, nodding empathetically. "Let's start with Nicole. How has her illness affected you?"

Bobby ran a hand through his hair, feeling the familiar frustration and sadness wash over him. "It's like a nightmare I can't wake up from. I'm trying to be strong for her, for our daughter, Bella, but I feel so helpless. I've always been the protector, you know? But now... I can't protect her from this."

### The Gangster Past

Dr. Ellis leaned forward slightly, her interest piqued. "You mentioned being the protector. Can you tell me more about that?"

Bobby hesitated, memories flooding back to his childhood. "I grew up in a rough neighborhood. My dad was involved in gangs, and I saw things that no kid should have to see. Fights, drugs, violence—it was everywhere. I had to learn to fend for myself early on."

He paused, the weight of those memories heavy on his chest. "I remember the first time I had to stand up for myself. I was just a kid, maybe eight or nine. Some older kids tried to push me around, and I... I fought back. It felt like I had to prove myself, like I wasn't just another kid from the block."

"Did that feeling of needing to prove yourself carry into adulthood?" Dr. Ellis asked gently.

"Yeah," Bobby admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "It became part of who I am. I had to be tough. I had to protect my family—my wife and daughter—at all costs. But now... with Nicole sick and this woman claiming to be my mother, it feels like everything is unraveling."

### The Impact of His Mother's Return

Dr. Ellis nodded, taking notes. "It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions. Can you tell me more about your biological mother's return?"

Bobby clenched his jaw, anger flaring. "She just showed up out of nowhere, claiming she wants to be part of my life. After all these years of being absent, she thinks she can just walk back in and act like she cares. It makes me furious."

"Why do you think that makes you so angry?" Dr. Ellis inquired.

"Because I had to build my life without her," Bobby said, his voice rising. "I had amazing adoptive parents who loved me. I grew up with their values, their support. I don't need her now. I don't want to relive that pain."

Dr. Ellis leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "It sounds like you feel betrayed. And perhaps there's a part of you that's also curious about her story."

"Yeah, maybe," Bobby admitted, feeling a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "But I don't want to open that door. I don't want to deal with the chaos she might bring. I have enough on my plate with Nicole's illness."

### The Weight of Responsibility

"Let's talk about that responsibility," Dr. Ellis suggested. "You mentioned being a protector. How does that play into your feelings about Nicole and your mother?"

Bobby thought for a moment, the weight of those words settling in. "I feel like I have to carry everything. I have to be there for Nicole, for Bella, and now I'm expected to deal with this biological mother who wants to be part of my life. It's like I'm being pulled in so many directions."

"Is it possible that you're feeling overwhelmed by the expectations you've placed on yourself?" Dr. Ellis asked.

"Maybe," Bobby said, frustration creeping back in. "But I've always handled things. I grew up tough. I can't just let all this get to me."

"Being tough is one thing, but it's also important to acknowledge your feelings. It's okay to feel overwhelmed," she said gently. "You're human, Bobby. You can't carry the weight of the world alone."

### A Moment of Clarity

Bobby took a deep breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I just want to protect my family. That's all that matters to me. I don't need a relationship with her. I don't want to open that wound."

Dr. Ellis nodded, her tone supportive. "That's a valid choice. You have every right to decide who gets to be in your life. It's about what you feel is best for you and your family."

"Exactly," Bobby said, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "I've built a life with Nicole and Bella. I don't want anyone coming in and disrupting that, especially someone who walked away when I needed her."

"Setting boundaries is important, especially when it comes to protecting the ones you love," Dr. Ellis affirmed. "What you're feeling is valid, and it's okay to prioritize your family."

### The Conclusion

As the session wrapped up, Bobby felt a strange mix of clarity and weightlessness. He had come in feeling overwhelmed, but now he had articulated his feelings, his frustrations, and his resolve.

"I don't need a relationship with her," he stated firmly, looking Dr. Ellis in the eye. "I've made my choice. I'm focused on my family, and that's where my loyalty lies."

Dr. Ellis smiled gently. "That's a healthy decision, Bobby. Remember, it's okay to protect your peace."

As he left her office, Bobby felt lighter, empowered to focus on what truly mattered: his family, his wife, and their journey together. He would face the challenges ahead, but he would do so on his own terms, fortified by the love that surrounded him.