Pretty Pretty Dreams

Iatrophobia

"I awaken in a forest. Not one I've seen in real life of course, same as usual. There are two men in black leather chairs sitting in the middle. They look up at me, and smile gently. We've seen each other here before. Will's hair is tousled, his lips curving up slightly at the corners, his eyes bright. He's handsome. Quite handsome. But I've never seen him while awake. Same with the other man, Hannibal, though he is dressed more sleek, more elegant and refined. His hair slicked back, his eyes dark and mysterious, his lips curled up as well. He's as handsome as Will. They tell me things. Things that turn out to be true. They are my friends. I care deeply for them, yet I've never met them. I can hear their voice in my head sometimes during the day. Not talking to me, talking to themselves. Yet it can't be real, because they are not real."

Dr. Lee sighed and took off his glasses, looking at me closely.

"Miss Lane, why are you here?"

"Because my mother believes I should be, Doctor. She believes my dreams childish and wants them to stop. She believes you can help."

It's the same answer as always, slipping out of my throat with a monotone flow to it. I may be 21, but my mother still seems to have control over me. I knew if I didn't show up, she'd get someone to drag me here. But that would all end soon.

He leaned back in his chair, examining me with his dark eyes.

"Miss Lane, do you want your dreams to stop?"

"No doctor. I don't. I know these people aren't real. But I like talking to them. It's a little less lonely with them."

"Then I'm afraid I can't help you. The first step to healing is admitting you have a problem, which you have not done."

"Do you believe I have a problem, Doctor?"

"I'm paid enough as a psychologist by your mother that I have to say yes."

"But what about as Tai Lee. A man."

Pause.

"I still believe there is a problem. I just am not sure how to fix it. I've never seen this before."

"I see. Thank you Doctor, I beg your leave."

I walked out of his office, grabbing a mint from the tray before walking home to my apartment. I walked up the steps of my building, stopping next to the homeless man on the bottom step.

"Hello Mr. George. Would you like to come in?" I asked. He gave me a gap toothed smile.

"Aw, dearie, you're too kind to ol' George. I'm alright. Thank ya for dinner yesterday, and tha blanket. It gets mighty cold out at night. Best be gettin' inside dearie, it's gettin' dark," He coaxed. I smiled at the gentle old man and came inside.

I walked to my apartment, number 702, and unlocked the door. When I closed it I made sure to lock all the locks before going over and collapsing on my bed in a sigh.