Is It A Dream?

The Visitor

Danny walked down the stairs to answer the door. "Baez! What're you doing here?"
"I came to see how Linda's doing? I feel like I should be involved, because I helped."
"Sure, maybe you can help." He closed the door behind her.
"What's the matter?"
"She's having an emotional breakdown. Upstairs."
"What happened?"
"She says she's scared of me."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing!"
Baez chuckled, and pointed to her right. She knocked on the door once Danny nodded. "Linda? Can I talk to you?"
"Maria?" She wiped her tears, "Why are you here?"
"I came to see how you were doing.... may I sit?"
Linda nodded, feeling a little less scared.
Baez sighed a little, "I'm your friend, right?"
"Mhmm."
"Danny tells me you're not doing so hot." When Linda shook her head, Baez continued, "May I try something?"
When fear flashed through the wife's eyes, her friend and husband's hearts simultaneously broke.
"I promise I won't hurt you..... could you close your eyes?"
Linda bit her lip as she slowly closed her eyes.
"What do you see?"
"Them. Hurting me."
"What do you want that memory to turn into?"
What? Danny mouthed, but Baez put her finger to her lips, shushing him.
"I want it to turn into the realm of nonexistence."
"But you know that can't happen, right?"
"I know. But I- why won't it go away?"
"It'll take time, but it'll go away... don't freak out, but I'm gonna try something, okay?" She motioned for Danny to come close. She then motioned for him to hold Linda's hand.
When Linda felt someone hold her hand, she gasped.
"Don't shy away. What does it make you feel? What do you feel?"
"The hand feels rough, well worked. Strong and protective. Kind, even, and warm.... warm..." with her eyes still closed, Linda looked up in the general direction of Danny. "Is it Danny?"
"Yes."
Linda smiled at her deduction.
"Very good, Linda. You equate kindness, strength, and warmth to Danny. And if that's how you feel, why should you be afraid of him?"
"It's not him. I'm just...." she somewhat looked towards Danny, "I'm just scared I'm not gonna get better or do bad, and you're gonna yell at me."
"What? When have I ever yelled at you for not doing good?" Danny raised his voice.
"Right now!" Linda let go of his hand and hid her face in her palms, an onslaught of new tears coming.
"Shit. I'm sorry, Linda. I'll try not to do that. Why are you crying?"
"You won't understand," Linda chocked out.
"And why not?"
"Because you're a... a guy!" She spat as if it were the worst thing on earth.
"Yeah, So?"
Baez laughed out loud, "that's real funny, Reagan."