Ficlets

Getting Somewhere, hopefully

Ahh now we’re getting somewhere…
In his years as a psychiatrist, the doctor had heard most of everything about depression. However, this was the first time he’d seen actual evidence of self injury, and it made his skin crawl.
He nodded.
“I see, but I don’t need to see your scars.”
The boy also nodded.
“And that’s why you’ll never understand. You think you know everything about people’s feelings. You can’t ever understand… no one older than about 20 does.”
“Perhaps you’re right.. but understanding is not my job. Helping people is my job.”

The boy’s emerald eyes darkened.
“Looks like you’re outa luck there too. No one can help me…”
“There’s always someone who can help.. but that’s a bit further down the road. Since you’re starting to talk now, can you tell me about yourself?”
“Well, don’t you want to know my name?”
The doctor shook his head.
“I already know your name. It’s Nathaniel, remember?”
The boy nodded and reclined in the bed.
“Yea, ok..”

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