The therapist looked worried for something. Thankfully she didn't look as patronizing as the others. "Please, give yourself some time." The woman hesitated, bringing the cancer stick crushed between her fingers up to her lips for one last pull before discarding it to the side like it was ironically on fire. Time for what? To think about who? She knew her train of thought was flawed, and took a step back physically which made it easier for her to mentally do so.
"The hour's up." She pushed herself up with great strength from the armchair that sunk in deeper and deeper as the time passed. "Thank you for your time. You'll see me next week."
•
She put on her favorite shoes and turned off the television. Grabbing the only coat she has ever known, she draped it over her own shoulders instinctively before kneeling down to buckle up. Rushing for everything was in fashion in her teenage days. They promote self-care now. She almost always felt out of place. The variety of subcultures brought together in this once conservative city made her cringe. She needed to feel like she belonged. She needed someone to lean on, and she didn't really care who until her last boyfriend stabbed her in the side. But it's all okay. She just needed some time away from human relationships.
The bell rung chirpily. "Hey, girl! Welcome back to your second home," the lady said with a smile.
She nodded, taking a seat in the far corner. The lady sauntered over to her and set a one-page menu down. "Finally come back to admit that you need your weekly dose?"
She smiled politely, her grip on her bag tightening. "Yes, I'd like the first set here."
"No problem," the younger girl grinned and removed the menu and her own presence as hoped.
She stared at the cats, wondering if they worried. If they ever needed correcting like human's did. If they discriminated between juveniles and criminals. Did they have laws? Or did they go with the laws of the jungle. The concrete jungle laws. "Here's your first set," the young adult interrupted, "it's all fresh and piping hot so watch yourself."
"Never bring the food to the cats, never go to the cats unless you're done with eating. Always pet them and never pick them up. The toys are their lifelines you should probably play with them. You're a regular so you know the boring rest. Have a great time!"
