Good Morning

To Be in Therapy or Not to Be in Therapy, That is the Question.

“You might consider…”

“Yes?”

Will waited, worried, and wishing, that Gail’s next word would not be what he expected and needed.

“Therapy.”

“I was afraid you were going to say that.”

He watched as Gail’s lips spread out evenly into a strong smile. Her high cheekbones pushed back against the morning light pouring in from their eastern-facing bedroom window. She looked beautiful and decisive and it scared him to the core.

“That’s why you need therapy. One of the reasons. To face your fears.”

“But I don’t want to.”

“Who does? But it’s the only way to get better.”

“I’m not that bad, am I?”

Gail closed her eyes. Her breathing was deep and slow. Will knew from the years they had been together that she was not just gathering her thoughts, but reaffirming her resolve. When she looked back at him, he knew there was no turning back.

“We can go together, if you like. But only to start. This is a journey for you. I will only get in the way down the road.”

“And if I don’t take this trip?”

“What do you think?”

Will never liked when Gail asked him a question in answer to his question. It meant she was losing patience with him.

“I think you will be disappointed.”

“It’s not about me.”

“It feels that way.”

Gail repeated her eyes closed and breathing routine.

“Okay,” she said, finally, blinking hard at him. “I don’t want you to go to therapy. In fact, if you do, I will be very disappointed.”

Will bit at his lower lip before answering.

“I’m too old to be baited by reverse psychology.”

“I’m not baiting you. I mean it. I don’t want you to go to therapy. It will make me very mad if you do.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not. I changed my mind. I’m allowed to do that, you know.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t care. That’s my decision. And I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

Will watched as she left the bed, put on a housecoat, and walked out of the room and down the stairs. He heard her movements below: making coffee, opening blinds, turning on the television.

He sat in the bed, knees up, listening and thinking. Finally, he got up, found his phone, and did a quick search. He dialed a number and waited.

“Good morning, how can we help you today?”

He closed his eyes, took in some deep breaths.

“Yes, hello.”

“Hi, sorry,” he said, opening his eyes. “I wanted to inquiry about therapy.”