The Pendulum

Psychologist, Michael Gram sits at his desk fumbling through paperwork. It was long days like today that tested his cap level of patience. Late nights in the office to waking early the next day in his bed to do it all over again had become his life. For him, there was no room for failure nor did he want his career as a psychologist to live up to cliche standard where clients come in for one on one meetings to overcome fears, depression, and other problematic emotions that nest in the mind. Michael had bigger plans for himself. Though his approach towards uncovering secrets of the mind were genius, other psychologists grew envious of his endeavors.

The built-in desk speaker blares.

"Dr. Gram," calls his secretary, "I have a Mister-um.."

"Tim...Tim Fuller," says a man in the background.

"Tim Fuller here," the secretary reiterates, "He says it is quite urgent that he speaks with you."

Dr. Gram exhales harshly from his nostrils, shaking his head with slight frustration. He presses the red "speak" button.

"You can go ahead and let him in, Lisa," he responds then releases the button. He fixes his tie against his white button up shirt before clasping his hands together, resting his elbows on his desk impatiently.

Tim, a late twenties year old man, enters and stands in front of the door. his menacing grin makes Dr. Gram uncomfortable. Dr. Gram studies Tim and his unconvincing appearance of dirty jeans and ripped shirt which making eyebrows quirk forming a wrinkle above the bridge of his nose.

"Can I help you?" Dr. Gram asks not recognizing Tim from any of his past clients.

Tim takes a gander around Dr. Gram's office. He becomes filled with awe and comfort seeing all the plaques and awards in Psychology that hung on the smooth painted cream-colored walls. Tim's curious eyes take a glimpse at a wedding photo of Dr. Gram and a beautiful woman with goddess characteristics for what he had assume her age to be. He clocks Dr. Gram's wedding finger in which branded the circle of an unbreakable bond.

"Dr. Gram," Tim finally says after his delay and unexpected attendance.

"Congratulations on all the awards you got here." He takes a seat across from Dr. Gram.

"Thank you, now is there something I can help you with? I like to keep my meetings organized and much more formal."

"So, what I've come to learn is that you do a few things differently than the average psychologist, Dr. Gram."

Dr. Gram takes off his glasses and rubs his face in exhaustion and pinches the bridge between his eyes with his index finger and thumb then stares at Tim. He secures his glasses back onto his face.

"Yes..I have taught many people how to become lucid dreamers, eventaully being able to decide not to wake up which will harness their ability to roam freely within a dream."

"And what do you think that will accomplish initially?" asks Tim though his all knowing tone of voice would suggest he is asking what he already knows.

"It will be able to take us deeper inside our minds. Our views. Thoughts. Memories forgotten and even down to our deepest desires. Things like that," Dr. Gram responds clasping his hands together under his chin.

"Hmm," Tim rocks in his chair and begins to fiddle with his fingers, smiling softly, "So, how does that help you?"

"Well, it helps everyone. Dreams are the key to unlocking mental barriers that are normally inaccessible while one is conscious. Not only that, but we can learn more about ourselves. Our fears. Emotions. Motives. Everything. Normally, a person decides to wake up once they realize they are dreaming. But being able to stay in that dream, and being able to roam and interact within it freely, can answer many questions of the human mind and how it works in the way that it does. That understanding and learning varies from person to person because we are different, yet connected to the same theory."

"So you say," Tim responds.

Dr. Gram removes his hands frm beneath his chin and rests his arms onto the desk.

"I'm sorry, but what is this about? I have work to do. A lot, of work to do."

"Dr. Gram," says Tim, "Just a few minutes of your time and you won't be disappointed. I assure you."

"And what makes you so sure of yourself, Mr. Fuller."

"Well, your career depends on it."