Autumn

"Can I ask you a few questions?"

I shrugged my shoulders just wanting to get this over with as soon as possible.

She took that as her cue to continue.

"Let's start with your name." I gave her my full name and she asked me if I went by any nicknames.

I told her no.

"How old are you?"

I gave her my age. She asked if I'd been on any medications or seen another counselor. I shook my head. She cocked her head to the side slightly and gave me a curious look.

"What are you hoping to get out of this?"

I hated this question. What was anyone hoping to get out of these?

"I just want to heal."

It was the most basic, yet appropriate response any therapist could hope to hear; the only answer they were looking for. It was what they wanted you to get out of these sessions. I supposed it's because they want you to be able to know how to deal with something like this should it ever happen again (fat chance of that happening if I could help it). Or it's because they're rooting for you; at least that's what the pamphlets and posters scattered around the lobby said. And it could be true. Some therapists might truly want the best for you. As well as the check that they know you're gonna have to write them at the end of each session.

*****

Anna is the new kid in school. She's striving to make a couple of close friends and to finish senior year with no hiccups and minimal worries about what she leaves behind in high school. Her goals: graduate, get into the college of her dreams, and go on her all girls trip to Colorado and Arizona for some sight-seeing.

Noah is also the new kid in school. He's striving to stay connected with his old friends make it through to the end of the year with not as many hiccups as the past couple of years. His goals: graduate, go to college, find the career of his dreams and then see where life takes him.

This is their story.