strange[d.j.h.]

two

"Good morning Dr. Hydman."

"Iris," I sigh. "We've known each other for over three years now. You can just call me Alice."

"S-sorry." She bows her head.

She's always so formal.

"It's fine, It's fine." I wave a hand at her.

"You have quite a few appointments scheduled for today." She says, tapping away at her keyboard.

"Is Mr. Howell scheduled for today?"

"Yes ma'am, but..."

"I know. He hasn't come to a single appointment," I press the elevator button. "It's just that... The day his friend came in to request an appointment be made for him." I softly say, more to myself as I stepped into the large metal box.

That day, seems like forever ago now. I have a feeling that he might have given up.

But then again...

"He's my best friend. He means everything to me."

His eyes were telling me,

"Please try."

The 'ding' of the elevator disturbed my train of thought.

I walk towards my office in silence.

"Please try."

Okay.

I will.

~

"All right that's enough for today Mason. You have improved so much."

"I'll see you next week on the nineteenth?" He questions me while I opening the door for him.

"Same time as always." I reassure him with a smile.

I close the door and sit at my small desk.

My mind starts to wander a bit. I think about why i've choose this as my future in the first place.

It's funny how I thought that this would solve all of my problems.

You are still so naive Alice.

I return to reality when i hear my phone buzz reminding me to stay focused.

According to my planner.

Next is...

I see his file on top of my desk next to Masons'.

Daniel James Howell.

I pick up the office phone and dial Iris' extension.

"Hey Iris, has Dan-"

"I think you should know the answer to that by now. He has never shown up, and we've rescheduled so many times."

"I know but," I paused as I began to realize the truth in what she was saying. "I just- I just don't-"

"You can't fix everyone Alice. Don't be so hard on yourself. If anythi-"

"Iris?"

"Could you hold on a second," She said before putting me on hold. "Alice, your next patient is on his way up."

"You mean-"

"Yes. It's him."

"Thank you Iris." I hang up the phone.

My heart is beating faster than it should.

Why are you nervous? You've done this so many times.

Why is this different?

It's different because...

His friend reminds me of myself.

"Dan is so important to me."

My body is overcome by goosebumps as the voice of his friend resonates within me.

What kind of person are you Mr. Howell?

A knock at the door makes me almost jump out of my skin.

"Come in."

Pull yourself together Alice.

He is just another patient.

"Dr. Hydman?"

That voice...

A familiar tall figure makes its way into my small office room.

The man from this morning?

This can't be right.

"Mr. Howell?"

"Yes. Thats me."

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☆〜 A/N: the italicizes parts are basically Alice's thoughts, just incase it was confusing。