Are dolls innocent figurines as the advertisements on television say? Or is there something sinister that lurks inside of them?
As the last heir of a mysterious curse, Janneth Hudson has her hands full. For generations, a doll has been watching over...
"In school, you're taught a lesson, and then given a test. In life, you are given a test that teaches you a lesson." - Tom Bodett
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Rereading his notes from yesterday's session, Nolan knew he had to be properly equipped this time before he could let Janneth inside his office.
He brought in warm blankets from his house along with two small cushions with him just in case Ms. Hudson acts out again. These items were neatly placed on the purple futon that Janneth could have sat on yesterday during her trance. But since she decided not to use it, Janneth fell on the floor, fortunately, it did not scar her face.
If that happened, Dr. Everett could have been sued for endangering his client and that would make things harder for him. So, during his so-called'bathroom break', Nolan went outside and took these items from his vehicle. In his mind, this 'Piper' was not going to contest with him, or his client.
He worried over the simplest things because Nolan wanted to be perfect, but the doctor needed to learn the lesson that PERFECT does not exist. Odd things could occur when you least expect it.
Dr. Everett made sure of that, as he also hooked a small camera in the room and hid it behind a bookcase. Someone once told him, that 'spirits' were not fans of sharing the spotlight.
If some abnormal apparition would appear on the screen, as he predicted, it would prove that his earlier theory would be wrong. If something ghoulish would not be on camera, by all means, Nolan would know that this 'Piper' explanation was all a hoax.
But he didn't have time to think about what would happen next if he had to disappoint Ms. Hudson. Janneth's session time was a full hour, so Nolan took out his notebook where he wrote some questions the night before.
The doctor needed to know more information about Ms. Hudson's case as a school teacher, the students who witnessed Piper's attacks, as well as everything else that happened before he could assess how the 'doll' had a deep effect on her and if she was not insane as some of the townspeople state.
Dr. Everett had to figure out the whole story before the arrest and if the 'burning of a ragged doll' was necessary.
Yet, the idea of having students involved in this aftermath was rather prosperous. The children must have been petrified in seeing such an event.
Why would anyone do that? It was beyond belief. However he was told by Ms. Swanson that one of Janneth's students was a witch. As if witches really existed, in real life. And how was that relevant to the case?
All those questions arose in his mind, desperately seeking answers. Thus, Nolan began to write out his theory in his notebook as he sat down on his desk.
February 16, 1977
Theory 1: The Backfire Effect
For many teachers, one of their simplest goals is to inspire their students to love learning. But the inspirational power of these instructors can transcend. And sometimes it could backfire!
SO
When people try to encounter substantial proof that causes them to doubt their beliefs, they often reject this evidence and strengthen their support for their original stance.
This occurs due to a cognitive bias known as the backfire effect.
Could this be what is happening here? Must figure this out.
After a conversation with his wife last night, Nolan came to this conclusion, as Christy had a better prediction with what might be going on. It wasn't the best idea to bring his problems from work home, but Nolan couldn't hide his stressed face from her.
The minute Christy opened the door for him last night, Nolan sluggishly walked after he kissed her cheek. Normally, he would have a smile on his face that would indicate that he had a great day, but signs of distress were something she knew too well. After being married to her husband for several years, she knew him like a book.
Despite the fact that one should not share a client's information with another colleague, Christy knew she had to help her husband in some way, for Nolan seemed like he was on the verge of a breakdown.
Once he told her about Janneth's case, she had a hunch on what was going on. Some time ago, Christy had a similar case where a patient of hers acted out. Although it was based on a child's predicament, the 'acting out' to get someone to notice her was quite similar. Since the child's parents weren't paying attention to her, she made up stories to get people's attention. And so that is how the theory of the Backfire Effect evolved
The doctor thought hard about it that night, as he remembered Dr. Phyllis, and the phrase -"Remember to be strong and know that in every situation, there's always a logical explanation for everything." And that was what he exactly did.
